Silver-calcium Alloy Battieries

[Red Westie]

A strange subject I know but one that is beginning to effect our choices as traditional Lead/Acid types are removed from the TOP TEAR of choice options.
This is what I found so far: Quote..
Most of the worlds leading car manufacturers are now demanding silver technology for their first fit battery. Most European vehicles from 2000 have been fitted with SCS charging systems to take care of the excessive demands placed on today's batteries, the SCS charges batteries on the vehicle at 15.2 volts, this is much higher than a conventional system and therefore will only work with batteries manufactured with Silver Technology.

Silver Technology gives the battery a far higher tolerance and acceptance of this higher charge rate, by fitting a conventional battery the acid would turn black, a high loss of electrolyte and the risk of explosion would occur. A conventional battery would NOT last the period of the guarantee.

So to my point By this we can see putting a tradional lead/acid battery in a vehicle with a modern SCS charging system would be a complete NO NO but what about the oposite way around ie: a battery designed to be charged at 15.2 volts fitted with a charging circuit that puts out 13.8-14.2 volts. I know that it will be safe...no damage will occur but will the battery perform optimally? get full charged? I ask this because a traditional charge circuit reduces alternator output but reducing the power to the stator windings when it senses higher fully charged battery state, so how is that going to work with a Silver-Calcium type?
Anyone out there have some PROPER info? JUST INTERESTED........
Martin

[bigherb]

You are quite correct in your assumptions. Fitting a silver/calcium or calcium/calcium battery is a wast of money on a older vehicle due to the charging systems not being able to fully charge the battery, not quite such a problem on starter batteries where there is usually reserve capacity but for leisure batteries where you need the extra capacity it would. The best battery for older systems would be the hybrid battery where only one plate is calcium such as the Halfords standard battery.

[Red Westie]

3 Days in with just one opinion (not fact) posted, I'm guessing there isn't anyone on here that really nows or has any definite information as to the impact (if any) these silver-calcium batteries have in relation to older 14volt charge systems.
My guess....and it is that, is none of these batteries are getting fully charged and that fitted to an older charge system they never get past 50%...60% ? (not very good if you are relying on it's capacity to supply lights, etc as a leisure batter or you get caught out with a poorly motor that doesn't start well) but like I say, it would be interesting to have some proper information specific to these batteries and older charge circuits.
Martin

[1664]

Suppose you could always ask a battery manufacturer. I've no idea.....

[Grun]

My van ('86 2.1DJ on petrol) has had the same pair of Bosch 4P silver batteries on it for at least five years now, one in the leisure role.
The starter battery still cranks and fires the engine first turn of the key. Bought them from GSF at a very reasonable price.
Code number on them is 543 023 039 they are 43AH capacity and 390A cold cranking. (No doubt now superceded by a different model).
Alternator output has not been altered. Thats my twopence worth.
Mike

[1664]

Thats my twopence worth.

It's a 'nice to know' tuppence worth though..............