David Jenkins
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 01:22 PM |
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Battery size?
Can anyone suggest a suitable battery size for a Locost with an X-flow engine of standard compression ratio?
I don't want to use the size & type recommended for the original Escort, (a) because it's probably bigger than I need - I won't
be trying to start on sub-zero mornings! and (b) it will have standard Ford connection tabs instead of the more convenient round pegs - you try buying
connectors and terminal covers for the Ford fittings!
I also want to use one of those battery isolation gadgets where you unscrew a peg - they don't make them for Ford fittings.
Some idea of the capacity required would be appreciated.
cheers,
David
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GO
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 01:36 PM |
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If you can find out the ratings of the original, i.e. constant amps and max amps (not 100% sure they are the technical terms but hopefully that makes
sense), then just take the details down to your local friendly motor factors and they should be able to help. You will probably be able to get away
with a lower max amp figure, as you say if your not ever going to start it in sub zero conditions then it shouldn't need such a high current to
crank it.
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 01:57 PM |
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That's what I was thinking - I was mostly wondering what size battery most people are using, as a guide.
DJ
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paulf
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 03:07 PM |
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I got a fully sealed battery with built in condition indicator in as new condition from a scrapyard for a fiver, it is about the size of a metro
battery and starts the engine easily.Normal running will only be ignition and brake lights and indicators.The bike engined cars manage with a 17 AH
bike battery.
paul.
quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
That's what I was thinking - I was mostly wondering what size battery most people are using, as a guide.
DJ
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 03:55 PM |
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I wouldnt recommend you use a bike battery for a car - it wont supply the high currents...
My car as you know is a V6 cologne engine'd machine. The std sized battery was too big for the gap I had left over.
Batteries have two ratings afaik.
The 'amount of amps over an hr' which is typically about 40 amps for an hr and
'amount of amps the battery is capable of over a 90 sec period before the voltage falls to a critical level'
You can tell by the short snappy phrases that I know these things
The second rating is most important on a cold day, as the battery will be less able to run at full capacity and the engine will be harder to turn due
to oil viscosity.
Once the engine is running, the alternator on most cars is up around 80A, so that does all the work exept at low revs or tickover.
So, unless you plan on starting your car in the winter, you can lower the rating of the 'starting current over 90 secs' bit.
If you take a look down Halfords, you can see the various sizes available. Most come up about the same too big footprint.
This is about the size of your average sierra battery.
I found one that was a fair bit smaller and has round posts. I think it was from a daihatsu or summat..... I do know it cost more than the friggin std
sized ones.
Its rated around 280a as opposed to the 450 or so of the original.
It makes my V6 spin into life no problems.
I will see if I can get a part no for you when I get home.
Would suggest you try a factors cos I think this cost about 40 quid at halfords....
atb
steve
[Edited on 9/5/03 by stephen_gusterson]
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Dave Ashurst
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 05:49 PM |
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I met a driver here in Leamington with a 1700 crossflow westfield fitted with a snowmobile battery.
I remarked on it being so compact, tough looking, neat and tidy. He claimed it was well up to to the job. Looked very interesting.
Don't know any more than that though.
I have a regular halfords jobby strapped in mine, well, not at the moment - but hopefully again soon..
regards
Dave
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 06:23 PM |
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halfords HB038
265A cold start
45 running
220L
130w
210H
take a look in halfords catalog in the store and you can find out what car its from........
atb
steve
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Stu16v
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| posted on 9/5/03 at 09:56 PM |
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Is budget an issue, or maximum weight loss? Varley Red Top batterys (see Demon Thieves catalogue) have some really small, compact, light weight
batterys that are well up to the job. I have used a Red Top 25 on my car, starting a standard tune VX 16v, ehich has loads of resereve capacity (I
know, initially had a few 'starting troubles). The Red Top 15 is alledgedly OK for the same application, but a) it does not have much spare
capacity if you manage to flood the engine etc, and b) it is quite a bit more expensive than it's slightly bigger brother, the 25.
LOADS smaller and lighter than an equivelent car battery, And only twice the price of a GOOD standard car battery......
Dont just build it.....make it!
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 10/5/03 at 07:30 PM |
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No, it's not a matter of weight or size, particularly.
It's just that I had to get a battery and didn't want to get anything too hefty.
...and now I've got one - the Halfords one that Steve suggested.
cheers to all,
David
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 10/5/03 at 10:19 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
No, it's not a matter of weight or size, particularly.
It's just that I had to get a battery and didn't want to get anything too hefty.
...and now I've got one - the Halfords one that Steve suggested.
cheers to all,
David
waheeyyy
someone actually followed my advice at last 
nice to know I helped someone!
the annoying thing for me was that there were som amny similar sized ones for about 25 quid, and if i recall, that bloody one was about 42 quid.
serves me right for making such a big pedal box and taking up the room the freebie donor battery coulda gone in.
atb
steve
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 11/5/03 at 06:04 PM |
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You wuz robbed!
Mine cost me £24.99 for that exact part number.
DJ
(don't you just hate it when someone does that to you! )
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 11/5/03 at 07:33 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
You wuz robbed!
Mine cost me £24.99 for that exact part number.
DJ
(don't you just hate it when someone does that to you! )
My revenge will be thatb sometime in the future, when your car wont start, it will be me that pops into your mind
If it can turn my V6 it can do yours!
I have a reputation with my dad for telling him I found something cheaper than he bought.
Its a year or so since I bought it....and I knwo it cost a bit more than the other batteries....so it prob was 42 spondoolies.
bum
steve
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