Random Flat Battery

[paulk]

We took Maude out a couple of times over the weekend including a 60 odd mile run out to Farnham on saturday.

But on Sunday after a little trip up the road, after leaving the car for a hour the battery was not up to turning the engine over? I push started the car quite easily (thank goodness the car only weighs 750kgs) and we pottered off to a picnic with no problems.

The car started again later without problem but I wondered if anyone else had trouble with a very hot day and a flat battery?

The battery is at least 4-5 years old I would guess and could just be Kaput but if anyone has another suggestion fire away.

Ps one of Maudes rear tyres is breaking up so I've ordered 2 new tyres (145/80 sr14 Kumho's) from a place in Bridport for £49 delivered I'll let you know how good they are.

[Rob_Jennings]

High temperatures should actually help the battery (ok assuming its not melting or boiling)

Possibly one of the cells is on its way out. I've had several batteries fail on one cell. Funny thing is that lights and everything work fine, but as soon as the starter comes on everything dies due to high load. But later it all seems fine again.

If you can be sure its the battery (not a poor connection starter, soleniod, did lights etc work?), then change it.

[Packedup]

I push started the car quite easily (thank goodness the car only weighs 750kgs) and we pottered off to a picnic with no problems.

See the little hole in the front bumper....? ;)

[paulk]

Ahh... that only works if the numpty who put the Recon engine in puts the starter dog on the crankshaft.

I at least now have sufficient incentive to get on with buying and fitting a new one.

Rob,
I think I have a Hydrometer somewhere ,I'll check the cells when I find it.

[doobry]

If the battery recovers to normal as if by magic, then it's unlikely to be the battery itself.
most likely cause of intermittent battery problems is poor connections - these can go high resistance at very annoying times

[lowedb]

Failure to turn over at high temps is often down to the brushes in the starter motor being on the wear limit. When they cool down, they just about make contact again.

If it happens again, check whether the headlamps still work OK, or whether they go out when you try to start. If no, it's the starter, if yes it could be battery, wiring, or still the starter (a short circuit inside).

[minor_hickup]

If the battery recovers to normal as if by magic, then it's unlikely to be the battery itself.
most likely cause of intermittent battery problems is poor connections - these can go high resistance at very annoying times

Agreed, I had a battery like that, it would start up fine when charged, all it took was a bit of town driving with lights and wipers to kill it and it wouldn't start. It would however take a long time to charge. In the winter I would get home and stick it on charge each night for peace of mind. That soon got changed!

[Willie]

A question just in case. Do you have nice solid clamp type battery leads or
are you by any chance using the 'upturned cup' type held on by a central
screw. This type is notorious for giving bad connections intermittently which
will usually show up when you try to use the starter. Easy to identify because
when it is playing up it will arc and the battery connection will be very hot!

[paulk]

Do you have nice solid clamp type battery leads or
are you by any chance using the 'upturned cup' type

Flat tag type battery connections with Stainless bolts clamping them nice and tightly.

I will have a look at the starter cos I have had fun with them before on various motors.

Cheers folks

[pyebibby]

Ps one of Maudes rear tyres is breaking up so I've ordered 2 new tyres (145/80 sr14 Kumho's) from a place in Bridport for £49 delivered I'll let you know how good they are.

where was this place?

[ASL642]

The original post was 2006 so the place may have shut down (and the prices changed)