What voltage should my battery be?

[chriscburgess]

Similar problems to Chopski. Just will not start now.

1984 1.9 Dg

So thought i would call the AA who have some good test equipment. It appears the battery is knackered.
His tests showed it measured 12.36v and 378 CCA (whatever that is) when it should have been 650 CCA

His booster pack would not start it either so he attached his van on jump leads plus the booster pack and it started. Then checked alternator which was ok.

He tried earthing battery direct to gearbox and that seemed to improve subsequent starting whilst connected to booster - but not always.

Starter was hit and miss. So his analysis is new battery and sort starter out. probably dodgy starter killed battery!

So may thoughts are:

1) replace oilite bush _ where do i get that from and is there a spec?
2)replace earth straps, gearbox to chassis and engine to chassis. (only problem is I don't wear the latter is situated.
3) replace battery. I currently have a Type 100 but thought it should be Type 063 or something like it (sorry have searched Wiki and can't find what the exact type should be)
then if these actions do improve situation - a new starter.

[kevtherev]

1) replace oilite bush _ where do i get that from and is there a spec?
2)replace earth straps, gearbox to chassis and engine to chassis. (only problem is I don't wear the latter is situated.
3) replace battery. I currently have a Type 100 but thought it should be Type 063 or something like it (sorry have searched Wiki and can't find what the exact type should be)
then if these actions do improve situation - a new starter.

1, Brickwerks
2, take a look at the gearbox for a big braided naked strap, like plaited hair
3, UK code 096 is the biggest battery that fits the battery box

[chriscburgess]

As ever thanks Kev

[Choppski]

i've invested in a ctek x3600 charger.....lets leave it on one of those a for a few days and see if it holds the charge.

i also noticed my 'leisure' battery is at 12.3V and is infact a normal 65amp car battery but in 12 months it has sufficed for my power needs. once the starter batter has proven to be ok (or not) i'll work on the leisure as i have heard that these chargers can bring some batteries back from the dead to be ok again - could be an urban myth, but i'll soon find out.

[Choppski]

Well the charger brought the batteries back up to 12.95V which is good ( i think)

When i take it off the charger, it loses about .03V a every 12 hours i.e. 12.95, 12.92, 12.89 etc - is this rate of decline normal??

[California Dreamin]

Yup...initially batteries read over high after a charge but settle down to an optimum 12.6 volts or there abouts.
Be wary of tests carried out on partially charged batteries....these tests will fail a part charged battery even if it were brand new! tis the way the men in yellow vans make their bonus money.......
Campers always suffer from battery related problems because of all the standing about they do.....it always pays to charge both starter and leisure batteries with a seperate car charger every 4 - 6 weeks over the winter months (overnight 8 - 10 hours).

Martin

[Choppski]

if it has been charging for 24 hours on the trickle, that should be a full charge though - should it not?

[California Dreamin]

Should be.....depends on what is considered 'trickle' and how flat the battery was in the first place......I heard it said those CTEK's can take 5 - 7 days to recharge a large traction battery.

I was always told: 10% max, of the batteries amp hour rating for 12 - 16 hours but there are so many variables.



Martin

[kevtherev]

I can vouch for the 7 day version..

[jeffdub]

Just put a new battery on mine turn the key it seems like the starter motors stuck then fires up think i may need to change the bush in the starter motor ?

[kevtherev]

I rekon you're spot on there jeff.
Just make sure all the electrical avenues have been explored.
Be prepared for bad news if it is a worn out starter

[jeffdub]

Thanks kev i'll check it out any idea how much a new starter is ?

[Nicola&Tony]

. . . any idea how much a new starter is ?

Approx £130 but depends what engine you've got, but there's 25% off here (and free delivery), until 31st Nov:
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=94267" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tony