Is it possible to put 'too big' a battery in a car?

[Condi]

My battery is on its way out, kept alive by jump leads and hope at the moment. Ive come across a very good battery which someone is willing to sell me, off a lorry. Price is right, location is good, condition is fantastic. However, its about twice as big (in terms of CCA) as what I have/need at the moment. Would this cause any problems with the alternator not being able to provide enough juice to recharge it, or generally putting a lot of strain on the charging system?

Am I best sticking to a smaller, more appropriate sized lump? Or is Man Thinking (if X is good, 2X is better) okay in this instance?

[Raize]

A battery twice as "big" will take the same power to recharge, just for twice as long. It will also take twice the time to run out of charge.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Check it's not 24v!

Also, is it physically too big? Make sure it's not going to get too hot near an exhaust manifold or something.

[Condi]

Thats what I like to hear! Big battery on its way.

And yes, it is physically bigger than what I have. Whether or not it will fit, Im not sure, but if not then I'll move it to the boot.

[miniman]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Check it's not 24v!

This. If it comes from a lorry it could very well be 24v.

[Fox-]

Batteries are pretty cheap so is it really worth the bother with second hand lorry batteries?

[Jetblackonetenth]

miniman said:

This. If it comes from a lorry it could very well be 24v.

The lorry we have has two 12 volt batteries wired up to 24V
don't know if they do 24V ones?

[miniman]

Jetblackonetenth said:

miniman said:

This. If it comes from a lorry it could very well be 24v.

The lorry we have has two 12 volt batteries wired up to 24V
don't know if they do 24V ones?

A quick Google suggests you might be right. Well I never knew that.

[Ed.]

Only concern would be possible extra strain on charging system? I had a previous car with a larger battery and was warned about replacing it with another large one rather than standard. Don't know if there's any truth in it or whether you would notice.

[james280779]

My lotus esprit battery was puny and weak. Esprits have notoriously poor starting as it often doesnt turn the starter quick enough. I have now replaced with a Volvo 850 battery for half the price and twice the size. Even fits with no mods into the clamp. Car starts first time everytime.
Lost the A/C pump to counteract the additional weight.

[6fire]

When buying batteries I always go to the local farmers co-op (mole valley FWIW) and buy the largest battery that will physically fit and which has the terminals the right way round. Works out loads than going elsewhere and tractor batteries seem to last for ages.

I'm sure there is a risk of melting the battery or starter motor leads, but only if you engage the starter motor for extended periods of time.