Morris Minor Owners Club

Been to my local supplier and the lowest output battery they have is 45AH. Does anybody know if there would be any problems or benefits against the 35 AH battery which was standard ? My car has an alternator fitted

Thanks

Leafie

With an alternator, there should be no hassle using a 45Ah battery.

On the subject of alternators - I've seen some of the traders now selling uprated cankshaft pulleys (due to the failure rate of normal pulleys combined with the tighter fanbelt needed for an alternator). You could probably shop around for the battery and put the rest towards a stronger pulley?

Well my new Exide battery bought last month is rated at 38AH but the Bosch ones which are for the Metro are fine but cost £60 the Exide was £34 with a 3 year guarentee

Kevin wrote:Bosch ones which are for the Metro are fine but cost £60 the Exide was £34 with a 3 year guarentee

Thanks Kevin,

The Bosch battery I looked at is at Costco and is about £34.00 with the vat. What attracted me is the 4 year guarantee. The price must be good as well because my local spares shop quoted me £60.00 same as you say.

Leafie

The Bosch battery I looked at is at Costco and is about £34.00 with the vat.

Be careful Leafie I also use Costco and although their prices are unbeatable the battery looked rather deep to me and when I measured it, it was deeper than the battery tray by about an 1" and although the clamp would fit in the front position it would have just interfered with my heater valve, I believe you have a 1275cc engine the same as me so check the dimensions first.

Kevin wrote: Be careful Leafie I also use Costco and although their prices are unbeatable the battery looked rather deep to me and when I measured it, it was deeper than the battery tray by about an 1" and although the clamp would fit in the front position it would have just interfered with my heater valve,

Thanks Kevin,

Will check that out

Leafie

Hello all,

a couple of points:-

When buying a battery be sure that the poles are handed correctly so that they go to the rear of the box and the positive terminal (if negative earth) is nearest the solenoid. If you have to fit the battery so the clamp is nearest to the terminals they can short with some serious damage.
The MG Midget (and others I suppose) use a solid crankshaft pulley which is much better than the riveted Minor one.

Alec

If you have to fit the battery so the clamp is nearest to the terminals they can short with some serious damage.

Thats what I have had to do with mine but fortunatly the Exide terminals are a reasonable way back and give clearance, but you point is very valid Alec as I have seen some that are very close with no extra care taken.

Costco batteries are absolutely excellent - mine is now 7 years old - car stands for weeks at a time yet it cranks up beautifully every time. They have a huge range - just take a tape measure with you - and yes - check the 'handing' of the terminals.

Costco batteries are absolutely excellent - mine is now 7 years old

I couldnt agree more but they have stopped doing the slightly smaller sizes and the nearest is the one Leafie has seen and its a modern metric size which is why its so much deeper, which is a shame as they are top notch Bosch with 4 year guarentees.

The owner of my local tyre and exhaust garage fitted a new battery to my Moggy 5 years ago, whilst fitting it one of his mechanics said “ gees that’s a big one” and he replied “ yes these cars need a big un” , just had a look at the battery and it is a Fiamm heavy duty maintenance free 60AH , I’ve never had a problem with the battery, dynamo or regulator apart from a little corrosion at the battery terminals, I’m not sure if the original battery clamp would hold it as mine has a home made one fitted and It sits in the battery tray flush with the opening.cost £39.46

Added for Kevin, sorry a bit late.


Keep Moggying Lofty

That sits fine but the latest Bosch as mentioned by Leafie jutted out from my battery tray by over 3/4" and was tight against the heater valve, well it would have done if I had bought it as it looked very deep so I measured it 1st, that one does look a more traditional type without the depth is that type number on the top 075.

Measured, purchased and fitted Bosch 45 AH battery today, fits on battery tray and all seems well. Better go in as she who must be obeyed tells me it’s our silver wedding anniversary today and we ARE going out. Not that she’s in charge or anything.

Leafie

Congratulations. With the wedding anniversary too

Measured, purchased and fitted Bosch 45 AH battery today, fits on battery tray and all seems well.

Just goes to show how much there is in build differences as it would have hit my heater valve and overspilt the battery tray.

Kevin wrote: Just goes to show how much there is in build differences as it would have hit my heater valve and overspilt the battery tray.

Yes but I was glad of the advice because I would never have thought to measure the depth and could have easily ended up with a battery which didn’t fit.

Leafie

If anyone is concerned about the proximity of the terminals then find yourself an old racing bike inner tube and cut off a section and slip it over the retaining bar like a rubber sock.

Onne wrote:Congratulations. With the wedding anniversary too

Thanks Onne.

Had a party to celebrate 25 years of marriage, we asked people to bring a donation to Francis House a local children’s hospice rather than a present. Raised £335.00 from family and friends, must be rubbing off this ‘’Minor owners are nice people thing’’ or am I just well trained ?


Leafie