Battery problems S3

Battery problems S3

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strange

Original Poster:

3 posts

285 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all
Not sure if this has been asked in the past, so here goes.
The battery on my S3 has given up, and I'm trying to locate the correct size to replace it. Looking at the parts list located on Oily pages, it mentions a battery number 069. I purchased one of these (great price £22.99) but found that it did not fit the battery tray as it had what I would discribe as a foot. Meaning it was not a straight sided battery like the current one. I took this back and purchased another with the same number as the old one 072. It fitted, but was not secure with the battery clamp as it did not have lugs at either end to secure it. So it would work if I was to drive slowly in a straight line, but get out and push when it came to a corner or two.
So, my question is has anyone had to replace the battery recently and what one did you use ?

roy c

4,187 posts

285 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all
The original equipment battery my S2 was rated as 069.
The battery clamp is poor, so I have junked mine in favour of a rachet & strap (available (cheap) from B&Q, Wickes, etc.), which holds the battery very securely and is much easier to use.

GreenV8S

30,209 posts

285 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all

Not sure if this has been asked in the past, so here goes.
The battery on my S3 has given up, and I'm trying to locate the correct size to replace it. Looking at the parts list located on Oily pages, it mentions a battery number 069. I purchased one of these (great price £22.99) but found that it did not fit the battery tray as it had what I would discribe as a foot. Meaning it was not a straight sided battery like the current one. I took this back and purchased another with the same number as the old one 072. It fitted, but was not secure with the battery clamp as it did not have lugs at either end to secure it. So it would work if I was to drive slowly in a straight line, but get out and push when it came to a corner or two.
So, my question is has anyone had to replace the battery recently and what one did you use ?


My local motorfactors managed to find a battery that was the right size and shape, and had that lip at the bottom to fit the clamp thing. But the clamp was in pretty poor condition in mine. It's also a pain to fit and doesn't stop the battery from rocking around a bit. For motorsport use, I decided to add a nylon webbing strap under the battery tray and over the top of the battery to strap it down tight - this is the recommended approach for competition. Having fitted it I realized the clamp was now redundant - the strap is stronger, far easier to do up/undo and doesn't allow the battery to move at all. Also, by doing away with the clamp I could fit pretty much any size battery I wanted, so next time I needed a new battery (some years later) it was much easier to find one that fitted.

The strap I used was a 1" nylon webbing with a ratchet, designed for securing luggage. Nylon is resistant to battery acid, which is important in this case.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

rustoni

325 posts

273 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all
Pete and Roy - I need to fit a battery strap to mine so will probably follow the same route but quick question how did you get the strap round the battery ? Did you take the battery tray out and how easy is it to do ?

Sorry if this is a basic question but my copy of the bible is in the missus car and she is away on business.

roy c

4,187 posts

285 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all

rustoni said: Pete and Roy - I need to fit a battery strap to mine so will probably follow the same route but quick question how did you get the strap round the battery ? Did you take the battery tray out and how easy is it to do ?


I can't remember exactly, but it's fairly easy with the battery out. Thread the strap under the centre of the tray (avoiding any tubes, pipes or cables), replace the battery and pull the ratchet tight. Good idea to clean-up and hammerite the tray while it's out. I also have a battery mat underneath to catch any spills.

Edited kos I karnt spell withouut a spoll chuckr.

>> Edited by roy c on Thursday 23 January 14:41

shnozz

27,502 posts

272 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all
mine is secured with straps too.

Ian - i managed to actually feed the straps around the battery and the base of the battery "tray" with the battery in situ and the bonnet only up to the normal height (ie not on axle stands/ramps)

rustoni

325 posts

273 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all

shnozz said: mine is secured with straps too.

Ian - i managed to actually feed the straps around the battery and the base of the battery "tray" with the battery in situ and the bonnet only up to the normal height (ie not on axle stands/ramps)




On my V8S the battery is in the boot and there is not sufficent room to thread the strap around it as it flush agaist the side of the car.



>> Edited by rustoni on Thursday 23 January 15:48

shnozz

27,502 posts

272 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all

rustoni said
On my V8S the battery is in the boot and there is not sufficent room to thread the strap around it as it flush agaist the side of the car.



d'oh - V8S battery in boot. My bad Ian. Its been a long day.

strange

Original Poster:

3 posts

285 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all
Thanks, I'll try the strap thing.
But what batteries are you guys using as the 069 does not fit the tray, it's too wide. The 072 fits but I'll have to use the strap arrangement.
Just wanted to get to a point where the bits were original. I know bits are not really that original as all S's are bits from others, but I think you get the point.

GreenV8S

30,209 posts

285 months

Thursday 23rd January 2003
quotequote all


On my V8S the battery is in the boot and there is not sufficent room to thread the strap around it as it flush agaist the side of the car.



May vary from car to car - there was just enough gap on mine.

roy c

4,187 posts

285 months

Friday 24th January 2003
quotequote all

strange said: Thanks, I'll try the strap thing.
But what batteries are you guys using as the 069 does not fit the tray, it's too wide. The 072 fits but I'll have to use the strap arrangement.
Just wanted to get to a point where the bits were original. I know bits are not really that original as all S's are bits from others, but I think you get the point.

Battery size and shape is down to the manufacturer.
My current battery is a New Century 069.

>> Edited by roy c on Friday 24th January 07:51