Which battery?

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:20 am

True to form my Mog decided to need attention at a rally yesterday.

And true to form I had lots of help. Both from the club members [many thanks] and 3 bored AA guys who were supposed to be recruiting new customers.

Diagnosis was that the battery had 'collapsed'

While searching for the phone number to order another, I found a web site advertising 'classic car batteries'.

Is there really any difference?

I'm restricted to O level physics

Post by **alex_holden** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:31 am

An ordinary car battery from somewhere like Halfords or your local auto factors will be fine. Measure the dimensions of your existing one and take a tape measure with you so you can get one that's the same size. The 'classic car batteries' presumably just look more authentic.

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:35 am

alex_holden wrote:An ordinary car battery from somewhere like Halfords or your local auto factors will be fine. Measure the dimensions of your existing one and take a tape measure with you so you can get one that's the same size. The 'classic car batteries' presumably just look more authentic.

You're quick to respond on a Monday am!

The site mentioned rubber casings.

I'll go back to plan A and do as you suggest.

Many thanks

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:08 am

If you are a member of Costco (or know someone who is) - their batteries are very good and very reasoinably prieced. Hellfrauds tend to be on the 'expensive' side!! More likely to get a good deal at a local motor factor - and always ask for a discount - say it's for a Morris Minor/member of MMOC etc. Be sure to install the new battery right way round - note carefully which is the negative post before disconnecting the old battery.

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:22 am

bmcecosse wrote:If you are a member of Costco (or know someone who is) - their batteries are very good and very reasoinably prieced. Hellfrauds tend to be on the 'expensive' side!! More likely to get a good deal at a local motor factor - and always ask for a discount - say it's for a Morris Minor/member of MMOC etc. Be sure to install the new battery right way round - note carefully which is the negative post before disconnecting the old battery.

Hellfrauds

Going to Bedford Battery as they are recommended by a fellow Moggy owner and they deliver to the local village garage. Thanks for all the advice. I felt a bit stupid wondering about fitting it the wrong way round

Many thanks.

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:35 am

Now I feel stupid

Phoned Bedford Battery and they want to know if it's a 12v or 6v battery required.......

Hope it says it in the manual.......

Post by **wiglaf** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:50 am

12volt...

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:14 pm

wiglaf wrote:12volt...

Thanks

Good job it is 12v, the quote for a 6v was around £100 !

Post by **wiglaf** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:39 pm

Heh, I got to pretend to competence for once... just wait though, it'll turn out there's a reason my flasher unit keeps blowing! (besides the quality of new parts these days)

Post by **twincamman** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:46 pm

Here's a tip for you, the battery from a wedge-type Princess is the same physical size as the Minor on, but it's 60a/h instead of 38.
Should see how fast it turns an A-series over...........

Post by **alex_holden** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:49 pm

wiglaf wrote:Heh, I got to pretend to competence for once... just wait though, it'll turn out there's a reason my flasher unit keeps blowing! (besides the quality of new parts these days)

How long are they lasting? I had to replace mine last week after less than a year on the road because it started flashing really slowly. I bought two new ones so I will have a spare if it goes again.

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:50 pm

twincamman wrote:Here's a tip for you, the battery from a wedge-type Princess is the same physical size as the Minor on, but it's 60a/h instead of 38.
Should see how fast it turns an A-series over...........

Hey, don't want to scare the engine.......needs gentle treatment

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:54 pm

alex_holden wrote:
wiglaf wrote:Heh, I got to pretend to competence for once... just wait though, it'll turn out there's a reason my flasher unit keeps blowing! (besides the quality of new parts these days)
How long are they lasting? I had to replace mine last week after less than a year on the road because it started flashing really slowly. I bought two new ones so I will have a spare if it goes again.

Just replaced one after less than a year too! This one flashes faster and the 'ticking sound' is quieter....easy to forget to cancel it ....

Post by **dalebrignall** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:18 pm

squiggle is your car negative earth if it is then get an 038 battery,thats the number of the battery i have got.

Post by **wiglaf** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 4:01 pm

I replaced the flasher in order to set up hazard warning lights last Autumn and that lasted about five months before it went. Removed the flasher bits and reverted to the old one, which winked once and no more... the latest's been in since feb/march time, so in a couple of months we'll see...

Oh, and there are two more dead ones in the engine bay, left there by previous owners who didn't remove them to fit their replacements!

Post by **Squiggle** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 6:27 pm

dalebrignall wrote:squiggle is your car negative earth if it is then get an 038 battery,thats the number of the battery i have got.

It's positive earth but thanks anyway. Bedford Battery say they have 1 year or 3 year batteries.....

I'll opt for the 3 year.

They wanted to test mine and I'll talk about what to buy when they phone tomorrow.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:22 am

A '1 year' battery will last for ages in a Minor ! You should get a very good battery for ~£50, and cheapy should be ~ £35. But indeed - are you SURE the battery has failed - not just loose fan belt/poor charging from the dynamo ?

Post by **Squiggle** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:12 pm

bmcecosse wrote:A '1 year' battery will last for ages in a Minor ! You should get a very good battery for ~£50, and cheapy should be ~ £35. But indeed - are you SURE the battery has failed - not just loose fan belt/poor charging from the dynamo ?

oooh - er.......Bedford Battery say battery is perfect! Fine bunch of folk. Honest and very helpful!

So, even though it was decided at the rally

[diagnosed by bypassing something with the jump leads - difficult to get to see what was going on with 12 chaps helping out]

that the dynamo was charging.

Fanbelt ok.

On arrival at the rally:

A. the control box and dynamo were rather hot.
B. the battery was dead even though we had travelled some distance.
C. It wouldn't start on the handle.
D. Started easily on 'bump start'
E. Ignition light didn't remain on when engine running.
F. Running well otherwise.

So, I have a new control box. Should I fit it anyway?

Put battery on charge.

Then.......

Post by **Squiggle** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:13 pm

Mr CavalryMan [RogerRust] has just left.......

He's a great teacher, most interesting!

Made me want to buy some of those diagnostic tools.

Was the control box and, luckily for some strange reason, I bought one a few months ago.......just incase.....

All is well now.

Are you paying attention Mr AAman

Very grateful for all the help.

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:23 pm

Hurrah for the cavalry!

glad you had a happy ending, squiggle