Battery Disconnect For Storage

[GiantRider]

I started renting a garage to store my 1976 911 but now I can no longer run a tender to it and I may not be able to drive it weekly since its going to be more of a pain to get to but will at least be out of the elements.

I plan to get a portable jumper but I was also wondering if there is a good solution to install a switch to disconnect the battery rather than having to use a wrench since its a bear to disconnect the battery.

Thanks.

[911 SLANT]

Try this.

[juanbenae]

pull the battery and take it home to trickle. once in once out.

[Targalid]

I have this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Terminal-Disconnect-Switch-Vehicle/dp/B0788PY53V/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?crid=2EAC84Q98JQVN&keywords=battery+cutoff+switch+12v&qid=1575309077&sprefix=battery+cutoff%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-12-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVURITVFZNUM2Q0NTJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjU4MzMyM0U5Slc2NUhPREpPNiZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTk4NDM4MTRKVjIzSTlHWE5XMiZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
But there are many choices:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=battery+cutoff+switch+12v&crid=2EAC84Q98JQVN&sprefix=battery+cutoff%2Caps%2C232&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_14

[GiantRider]

Oh cool, so plenty of options. I kind of like the throw switch, its like an old school electric chair. I will need to do some precise measuring because it seems like nothing ever fits like you would think.

[darrin]

giant rider, keep in mind that you only need to disconnect the negative (ground) battery cable to take it off-line -- I find the negative cable VERY easy to remove/address -- positive cable (which is more challenging) can remain attached (as it no longer carries any current) once negative cable is removed -- FWIW

[autobonrun]

Originally Posted by juanbenae

pull the battery and take it home to trickle. once in once out.

This is what I have done for years. I just keep the wrench in the car. I remove the hold down for the winter storage months. I just bring the battery back home and put it on a trickle charger. With the older cars, you just have to reset the clock. I wouldn't dare do this with my newer car; too many electronics.

[Quicksilver]

Put a wing nut terminal on the negative side and it is easy to disconnect.


Also the SolarPulse line from PulseTech are great desulfating chargers at a reasonable price. They're a great way to keep a car's battery good when you can't connect it to a plugin.
I have one of their 3 watt systems on the roof of my trailer to keep the battery of whatever car is inside topped off. And when storing the trailer it keeps the trailer brake battery good.

[Quasimoto]

@Targalid has this. My favorite solution, particularly if you are taking care of multiple vehicles.

[Driven97]

I use what Targalid posted. No tools, unscrew 1/2 turn to disconnect the battery, completely remove for a little extra security. Takes longer to pop the hood than disconnect the battery.

Plus, it has a terminal on the other side, so installation is a snap and requires zero modification. Unbolt the ground from the battery, tighten the ground onto the terminal on the switch, tighten the switch onto the battery terminal.

[Lake Guy]

I use a disconnect switch on the negative. It’s mounted just in front of the spare and off to the side of the battery. I leave the car 6 or 8 weeks sometimes with a charger and it holds the charge fine. Just turn the switch and I’m in action.

[LIRS6]

I tuck my car away for 4 mos+, so I remove the battery and connect this to it as I prefer the full maintenance aspect vs. a trickle-charge.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DHGPVKI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jason

[911pcars]

A storage battery will slowly self-discharge. If not recharged, it will eventually not be able to fully or partially recover. Thus, the better option is to remove it and leave connected to a battery maintainer.

However, a non-op car will deteriorate without occasionally running it. Bring the charged battery back and concoct a quick in/out connect method to run the car without officially reinstalling it.

Don't go overboard, battery post quick-connect switches can be sourced at Harbor Freight for a few bucks. Install them on both positive and negative cables. You will also need 2 extension cables with appropriate connectors at each end.

Sherwood

Correction: only one of the above switches are necessary. Install on ground side. I got carried away. A second switch just adds to any voltage drop (not desired).

[Quasimoto]

I’ve used the negative switch and a quick connect maintainer harness on numerous vehicles with good results for many years.

I like the convenience of not having to remove and reinstall the battery in the vehicle.

Some maintainer quick disconnects have a small dongle with an LED indicator that gives visual indication of charge.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by 911pcars

However, a non-op car will deteriorate without occasionally running it. Bring the charged battery back and concoct a quick in/out connect method to run the car without officially reinstalling it.

That's a hard no from me, but do what you like to your car...

Factory says to "start car and drive it".

You've got the least oil flow you'll ever have on a cold motor right after starting. If you let it idle and don't drive away, that isn't doing any good at all. Plus, you have the least amount of cooling air moving through the shroud.

If you don't get the oil up to temp, all you're doing is putting water into it without boiling it off.

And the car is intended to be moving, at least most of the time. Start your car, let it idle for as long as you want. Put an IR thermometer on the heads, tell me what you see - my CHT sensor reads well over 200C after 10 minutes hot-idling without any air moving over them.

What temperature does your oil break down at? I run a european full synthetic (which isn't a US "marketing" synthetic) - and i won't knowingly let the heads get over 200C.

Prep it for winter. Then either leave it alone except for rotating the wheels if not jacked up - or fit snow tires and drive it.

[Kraftwerk]

+1: Take the battery home and keep it warm and charged over the winter, it will be much happier.