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Battery Cranking Power?
I have a '72 T which is (still) configured with the original two battery system. I have had the car for two years and suspect the batteries are much older than that. The car spends way too much time looking great in my garage so I generally keep the batteries disconnected and on a trickler charger. According to the trickler charger the batteries are fully charged (voltage?). When I connect the batteries and start the car it turns over very sluggish but starts. After driving for some time, if I stop and try to restart the car, it probably won't. If I jump the car it cranks over 'normally'. My question is...can the batteries maintain the voltage (from the charger) but lose its cranking power (amps?)? Do I simply need new batteries or maybe another problem?
PS. I've read many other posts on configuring a one battery system, etc. May take the plunge soon. |
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11-14-2001, 10:49 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: So. Calif.
Posts: 19,910
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Before taking the plunge, have a repair shop check the batteries. The charger or voltmeter may indicate 12 volts, but it's the current capacity that's important. The starter motor wants maybe 150-200 amps (?) to rotate the engine; only available from a good battery or two. Eight AA batteries in series = 12 volts, but the current they provide is pretty feeble (for a starter motor).
Also check ground and battery connections. Electricity needs a clean path from the positive to negative post connections. This includes the various ground cables and their connections in the vehicle. A check with a DVOM can verify this. Sherwood Lee |
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11-14-2001, 01:24 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Warrenton, Virginia USA
Posts: 803
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I just went through the process of checking on new batteries and found the best value is an Interstate MTP-93 for 69.99 at Goodyear.
Granted this is only helpful for a one battery system if you convert. You may be able to determine what year battery it is from the Interstate webpage which has general information of dating different manufactures batteries. If they are old just get new ones and save a headache. Todays high end batteries should be good for 6 years which is awesome! Good Luck,
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FS: 1979 Porsche 911 SC FS: 1992 Volvo 960 Wagon potential sleeper V-8 project 1971 Chevy C-10 w carb 5.3 LS swap 1948 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer |
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11-14-2001, 01:38 PM
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