Discussion
My last 2 Westco batteries died after just a couple of years so I've gone off them. I replaced mine a few weeks ago with one of these Bosch batteries.
MX-5 Lazza said:
My last 2 Westco batteries died after just a couple of years so I've gone off them. I replaced mine a few weeks ago with one of these Bosch batteries.
Looks like they're not gel type, do you just connect up the vent tubes and job's a good 'un?Not gel but are maintenance free sealed batteries. I was going to hook up the vents but the battery doesn't have any vents!
It does have a slightly bigger footprint than the Panasonic/Westco so the battery ray has to go. I'm on the lookout for a replacement tray. I managed to fit mine using the stock mounting bracket (with a slight modification) too.
I'm not bothered about the arguments about acid batteries causing corrosion. Gel batteries are just as bad. My car has had the original Panasonic replaced with 2 Westcos, always with the vent tubes hooked up but when I took the last Westco out I removed the battery tray and under it was loads of white powder and the paint had been taken up by the acid. No rust yet so I'll give it a good clean up & painting when I get a chance.
It does have a slightly bigger footprint than the Panasonic/Westco so the battery ray has to go. I'm on the lookout for a replacement tray. I managed to fit mine using the stock mounting bracket (with a slight modification) too.
I'm not bothered about the arguments about acid batteries causing corrosion. Gel batteries are just as bad. My car has had the original Panasonic replaced with 2 Westcos, always with the vent tubes hooked up but when I took the last Westco out I removed the battery tray and under it was loads of white powder and the paint had been taken up by the acid. No rust yet so I'll give it a good clean up & painting when I get a chance.
Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Tuesday 11th December 10:13
Im with Lazza on this one - beginning to think the WestCo's are overrated. ive had two and they only seem to last a couple of years.
The most recent one was still "ok" although was getting lazy to turn the car over in the colder weather.
Replaced with the Bosch one (which although its physically bigger, its still lighter than the westco) and all is well. plus the Bosch has a 5 year warranty!
Plus code "battery15" gives an additional 15% discount from eurocarparts - so their most expensive battery is still almost half the price of a WestCo with double the warranty.
The most recent one was still "ok" although was getting lazy to turn the car over in the colder weather.
Replaced with the Bosch one (which although its physically bigger, its still lighter than the westco) and all is well. plus the Bosch has a 5 year warranty!
Plus code "battery15" gives an additional 15% discount from eurocarparts - so their most expensive battery is still almost half the price of a WestCo with double the warranty.
Edited by NeoVR on Tuesday 11th December 13:13
MX-5 Lazza said:
My last 2 Westco batteries died after just a couple of years so I've gone off them. I replaced mine a few weeks ago with one of these Bosch batteries.
I've got a spare 63 bosch in my shed, for my elise. I'll see if I can get it to fit Simbu said:
Timley discussion.. my mk2 is in need of a new battery! Are there any online guides to the battery tray mod to allow that Bosch battery to fit?
I have simply removed the tray and stuck a old towel under the battery to lift it a bit - the clamp then sits nicely in the battery handle.NeoVR said:
Simbu said:
Timley discussion.. my mk2 is in need of a new battery! Are there any online guides to the battery tray mod to allow that Bosch battery to fit?
I have simply removed the tray and stuck a old towel under the battery to lift it a bit - the clamp then sits nicely in the battery handle.I had to chop 1/2" off the clamp to make it fit the handle on mine but that's easy.
Just thought I'd give an update.
The supplier has said I need to return the battery to them, and they will attempt to charge it. Reading the negative feedback on their own site about the battery, it seems to be a common problem. The battery discharges in days, but the supplier will just recharge.
With that in mind I've now bought an optimate to re-charge it, but it needs to charge for a number of days. I'm going to monitor the battery off the car, as someone else posted negative feedback that it was under 12v after a few days sat on a bench, let alone on a car.
Before it goes back on the car I'm going the measure the cars resitive load, and once in place I'll measure the current draw. If they both look ok then I'll leave it in place. If it discharges again then I'll return it as not fit for purpose.
The old battery was much better than this! I'd have been better off buying an optimate instead of a new battery.
The supplier has said I need to return the battery to them, and they will attempt to charge it. Reading the negative feedback on their own site about the battery, it seems to be a common problem. The battery discharges in days, but the supplier will just recharge.
With that in mind I've now bought an optimate to re-charge it, but it needs to charge for a number of days. I'm going to monitor the battery off the car, as someone else posted negative feedback that it was under 12v after a few days sat on a bench, let alone on a car.
Before it goes back on the car I'm going the measure the cars resitive load, and once in place I'll measure the current draw. If they both look ok then I'll leave it in place. If it discharges again then I'll return it as not fit for purpose.
The old battery was much better than this! I'd have been better off buying an optimate instead of a new battery.
Max M4X WW said:
devnull said:
Definitely recommend a replacement OEM panasonic or the WestCo from MX5 parts. The batteries need to be the sealed gel type or something like this happens...
How do you tell what sort of battery is fitted? I have an MX5 arriving soon and don't want this happening!Interesting thread, chaps. I'm now in the market for a new battery as my current one (a Lion calcium battery) won't start the car even after a good CTEK charge.
I only use the car every few weeks, so it sounds like the WestCo is not the battery for me. So, I'll phone around and get a few prices for the Panasonic tomorrow, but has anyone had any luck fitting a good Bosch in the mk1?
Thanks in advance!
I only use the car every few weeks, so it sounds like the WestCo is not the battery for me. So, I'll phone around and get a few prices for the Panasonic tomorrow, but has anyone had any luck fitting a good Bosch in the mk1?
Thanks in advance!
Wilburo said:
Interesting thread, chaps. I'm now in the market for a new battery as my current one (a Lion calcium battery) won't start the car even after a good CTEK charge.
I only use the car every few weeks, so it sounds like the WestCo is not the battery for me. So, I'll phone around and get a few prices for the Panasonic tomorrow, but has anyone had any luck fitting a good Bosch in the mk1?
Thanks in advance!
Mk1/2/2.5 are all the same with regards to the battery. Mk2/5 is a little more picky than Mk1 with battery choice as it has to fit in the battery well. I'm very happy with my Bosch so far (I won't be able to give it a full approval until it's a few years old of course).I only use the car every few weeks, so it sounds like the WestCo is not the battery for me. So, I'll phone around and get a few prices for the Panasonic tomorrow, but has anyone had any luck fitting a good Bosch in the mk1?
Thanks in advance!
My Westco has just failed me for the first time in 3 years, the cold I expect. I shan't be replacing it though - never seemed to hold a charge for more than a couple of weeks. Best battery I had was one of the black sealed ones from Halfords. Lasted me 6 years, admittedly the car was driven almost every day, but nonetheless. It was too tall for the MX5 battery clamp though so I had to fashion my own to hold it in place. I'll be going back for another though if the Westco doesn't take a charge.
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