Batteries for Mk1

[vrsmxtb]

Is anything apart from OEM Panasonic and Westco a definite no-no in a Mk1. My battery doesn't hold charge for more than a few days now, it looks like a normal wet cell but it does have a vent. Would it be a good idea to invest in a trickle charger and see if a slow extended charge revives it first?

[skinny]

i got a higher rated one from halfords in my mx5. does the job fine

[Munter]

skinny said:

i got a higher rated one from halfords in my mx5. does the job fine

I also have a black Halfords one in mine. Been in 4-5 years and no problems to report so far.

[denniswise9]

I quickly removed the Halfords one from mine - it wasn't a sealed unit so could easily corrode my boot if it leaked.

Get a Westco.

[anonymous-user]

I've never understood the fuss over the suitability of anything other than the Westco/Panasinic gel batteries.

Yes, if they leak they'll corrode but this could happen if it was mounted under the bonnet and most people look in their boot more often that their bonnet?

Non standard also gives off fumes but if they're vented using the tubes surely that's fine?

Or am I being a bit naive to the damage that can be caused?!

[vrsmxtb]

Skinny / Munter - have you got vent attachments?

I think something is draining my battery as I tried it again out ofinterest and there was no electrical life whatsoever, the remote locking didn't even activate. Just jumped it and went for a 20 minute cruise, we'll see how long the charge lasts. I think I will get everything checked to make sure alternator is ok and there is nothing draining extra power and then fit a new Westco just to be sure.

[Munter]

No vent on the battery as far as I could see when I got it. Just a big black plastic lump with 2 terminals.

I'd seen the stories about corrosion etc on here. But even though I've checked I've yet to see any. (Possibly my boot is less airtight than others... It's certainly not watertight)

[denniswise9]

yellowbentines said:

Or am I being a bit naive to the damage that can be caused?!

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/1476/5522.aspx

Rots the boot floor straight through.

[anonymous-user]

denniswise9 said:

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/p/1476/5522.as...

Rots the boot floor straight through.

What rots the boot through?

If the battery is vented and isn't leaky I'm confused as to what causes any problems?

ETA the chap that's boot rotted through commented that the vent tubes were incomplete, so it's no wonder it rotted.

[denniswise9]

yellowbentines said:

What rots the boot through?

If the battery is vented and isn't leaky I'm confused as to what causes any problems?

ETA the chap that's boot rotted through commented that the vent tubes were incomplete, so it's no wonder it rotted.

Yeah very true.

You can't vent the halfords ones though can you? As far as I was aware they are also not sealed units like the Westco and Panasonic.

Correct me if I am wrong though.

Edited by denniswise9 on Tuesday 12th July 17:11

[vrsmxtb]

I think all batteries are "sealed" these days, but the MX-5 specific ones are dry batteries so have no battery fluid in them at all, hence they need a trickle charge if flat rather than a jump. They are also lighter I believe to aid the weight distribution.

[skinny]

vrsmxtb said:

Skinny / Munter - have you got vent attachments?

I think something is draining my battery as I tried it again out ofinterest and there was no electrical life whatsoever, the remote locking didn't even activate. Just jumped it and went for a 20 minute cruise, we'll see how long the charge lasts. I think I will get everything checked to make sure alternator is ok and there is nothing draining extra power and then fit a new Westco just to be sure.

yep, got the vent attachments on mine.