Battery advice...
Discussion
There are a few threads knocking around (which you might expect!), about batteries for the Cerb.
eg: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It appears that there are 101 different trains of thought, linked to specific circumstances, which end up recommending different solutions to different people.
I wanted to try and establish what my own "best bet" would be.
I had the battery replaced not so long ago, so it's still under warranty etc., but my research here suggests that I might be better swapping the current 072 for one of the Oddesy 1500's.
https://www.europaspares.com/BATTERIESCHARGERS/BATTERIES__CHARGERS/ODYSSEY_BATTERY___CRANKING_AMPS_1500___PC15003350.html
The main problem I can see is that the Cerb goes through these "deep dive" cycles of charge, because there's not mains access nearby to leave her plugged in. As a result, in the cold, wet weather, she inevitably doesn't get drivven enough to naturally leave the battery well charged. I'm worried that allowing the car to lose such a large amount of charge and then having recharge to get her fired up may cause problems in the longer term...
It would appear that normal batteries seem to die much more quickly because of this. I'm thinking I'll have this problem soon enough, hence looking to reduce the pain later, by taking action sooner.
However, still interested in thoughts on whether it's worth the "investment".
Thanks,
Phil.
eg: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It appears that there are 101 different trains of thought, linked to specific circumstances, which end up recommending different solutions to different people.
I wanted to try and establish what my own "best bet" would be.
I had the battery replaced not so long ago, so it's still under warranty etc., but my research here suggests that I might be better swapping the current 072 for one of the Oddesy 1500's.
https://www.europaspares.com/BATTERIESCHARGERS/BATTERIES__CHARGERS/ODYSSEY_BATTERY___CRANKING_AMPS_1500___PC15003350.html
The main problem I can see is that the Cerb goes through these "deep dive" cycles of charge, because there's not mains access nearby to leave her plugged in. As a result, in the cold, wet weather, she inevitably doesn't get drivven enough to naturally leave the battery well charged. I'm worried that allowing the car to lose such a large amount of charge and then having recharge to get her fired up may cause problems in the longer term...
It would appear that normal batteries seem to die much more quickly because of this. I'm thinking I'll have this problem soon enough, hence looking to reduce the pain later, by taking action sooner.
However, still interested in thoughts on whether it's worth the "investment".
Thanks,
Phil.
Personaly i would not make the added investment of anything more than a regular good quality £70ish battery seeing as your starter will only call for what is required. With the money you save, buy a battery pack/compressor that can be used for other things as well. For as long as your battery is in good condition and every thing else is in working order a standard battery will see out it's three year warranty, if it doesn't of course you can start the car with your fully charged battery pack and take back the faulty one for a new replacement!
I'm having some minor electrical issues with mine at the moment (072). It was off the road for a few days in the really cold spell while I had a dose of flu. When I went back to work it was stone dead. I jumped it off a neighbour, but I've not had a chance to take it out and fully charge it, only charge it via driving it, with the ropey alternator that doesn't actually produce charge at idle.
I'm also wondering if another battery would be a better bet for providing me with "all year round" decent electrics without having to resort to a charger.
I'm also wondering if another battery would be a better bet for providing me with "all year round" decent electrics without having to resort to a charger.
2 years ago I fitted a new halfords 072 battery, and just recently it has started to 'die'. they come with a 3 year 'no quibble' guarantee, so last week I had it replaced with a new 072. There are 2 kinds of 072, the Calcium one has a Flat top, with the terminals sitting pround, these ones will not fit, it's 4 mm to high. The older type has the the terminals inset into the top and fits perfectly, it has a 590 cranking power rating, and spins the motor over nice and fast. So with the 3 year guarantee, you have free batteries for life. 
morebeanz said:
Steve_T found a deep cycle resistant battery when he replaced his, so I'd email him through his profile or he may pop in soon. 'Fraid I can't remember the details, but he was very proud of himself! 
Everybody needs 900 cranking amps in their life Ian. 
If you can't keep your car on charge all the time, the Odyssey is the only battery I found that produces monster cranking amps and can handle deep cycles. I have the PC1500 Phil mentions and yes I have been banging on about it before . As for needing the extra cranking amps and the starter only drawing what it needs, I find the Odyssey spins the starter way faster than a regular battery ever did! I suspect that's a result of the lower internal resistance. The PC1500 is a rather cosy fit though, I'd look at a PC1230 for an easier life. I dread to think what they cost now though!Edited by Steve_T on Monday 19th January 14:14
Steve_T said:
morebeanz said:
Steve_T found a deep cycle resistant battery when he replaced his, so I'd email him through his profile or he may pop in soon. 'Fraid I can't remember the details, but he was very proud of himself!
Everybody needs 900 cranking amps in their life Ian. If you can't keep your car on charge all the time, the Odyssey is the only battery I found that produces monster cranking amps and can handle deep cycles. I have the PC1500 Phil mentions and yes I have been banging on about it before . As for needing the extra cranking amps and the starter only drawing what it needs, I find the Odyssey spins the starter way faster than a regular battery ever did! I suspect that's a result of the lower internal resistance. The PC1500 is a rather cosy fit though, I'd look at a PC1230 for an easier life. I dread to think what they cost now though!Edited by Steve_T on Monday 19th January 14:14
Spoke with my brother on the matter last night as it happens... and he's got some "experts" where he works who he's going to talk to. Be interesting to see what they come back with. Another viewpoint is always welcome... even if they do work on tanks in the main!!!
I suggested a switch in line with the earth to leave the whole thing "off". Whilst he's not keen on "cutting the car up", I've seen it mentioned before as a kind of workaround. Not sure what the impact on the alarm is though... just a thought.
I suggested a switch in line with the earth to leave the whole thing "off". Whilst he's not keen on "cutting the car up", I've seen it mentioned before as a kind of workaround. Not sure what the impact on the alarm is though... just a thought.
Phil_Edge said:
Spoke with my brother on the matter last night as it happens... and he's got some "experts" where he works who he's going to talk to. Be interesting to see what they come back with. Another viewpoint is always welcome... even if they do work on tanks in the main!!!
I suggested a switch in line with the earth to leave the whole thing "off". Whilst he's not keen on "cutting the car up", I've seen it mentioned before as a kind of workaround. Not sure what the impact on the alarm is though... just a thought.
If you mean a battery isolator then yes if you leave your car for long periods of time this is the way to go. There's been a few threads on it recently. I suggested a switch in line with the earth to leave the whole thing "off". Whilst he's not keen on "cutting the car up", I've seen it mentioned before as a kind of workaround. Not sure what the impact on the alarm is though... just a thought.
morebeanz said:
I bought an Optima Red Top which has likewise proven to be an exceptionally capable replacement.
It's also 7kg lighter than Steve's...
...very important when you are carrying too much weight like me!
Ditto Optima Red Top is the way forward..leave mine for a week sometimes and it atill cranks like a b'stardIt's also 7kg lighter than Steve's...
...very important when you are carrying too much weight like me!
Went back to halfords today and they cant get any old shape 072's (Which only cost me £69 on my trade card!!!) So after a lot of thought, I've now got a 096 with 690 cranking amps, and it was only £59.
However, It's to long to fit by about 10mm so it sits ontop of the securing bolt, and the terminals are the wrong way round. I've solved the terminal probs by rerouting the pos and neg cables but I need to move the retaining plate toward the engine 10mm. I've checked and the battery cover will still clear it all, just.
Where do the nuts that secure the mounting plate below the battery sit? I cant find a way to them, even tried looking under the dash? What I think I'll have to end up doing is to grind the 2 bolt heads off, move the plate and put a couple of blobs of weld back onto of tyhe bots to secure the plate.
I'll put up pics when it's done but this may be a way of having a lot more carnking power and keeping the battery in the same place. My only prob is that if I put it in the boot it would help a lot with weight distribution etc?
However, It's to long to fit by about 10mm so it sits ontop of the securing bolt, and the terminals are the wrong way round. I've solved the terminal probs by rerouting the pos and neg cables but I need to move the retaining plate toward the engine 10mm. I've checked and the battery cover will still clear it all, just.
Where do the nuts that secure the mounting plate below the battery sit? I cant find a way to them, even tried looking under the dash? What I think I'll have to end up doing is to grind the 2 bolt heads off, move the plate and put a couple of blobs of weld back onto of tyhe bots to secure the plate.
I'll put up pics when it's done but this may be a way of having a lot more carnking power and keeping the battery in the same place. My only prob is that if I put it in the boot it would help a lot with weight distribution etc?
Phil
Sounds like you need a solar-cell charger.
I had one on my sail boat and it was always fully topped up!
All batteries like to be kept fully charged.
Deep discharge ones are the same, but they don't deteriorate as quickly as normal car ones but will if left for 6 months!
Deep discharge have thicker heavier plates, but this gives less surface area and so less cranking amps.
They are more aimed at low drain applications like a portable TV. IMHO
Steve
Sounds like you need a solar-cell charger.
I had one on my sail boat and it was always fully topped up!
All batteries like to be kept fully charged.
Deep discharge ones are the same, but they don't deteriorate as quickly as normal car ones but will if left for 6 months!
Deep discharge have thicker heavier plates, but this gives less surface area and so less cranking amps.
They are more aimed at low drain applications like a portable TV. IMHO
Steve
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