andrew-theasby
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| posted on 11/10/04 at 08:16 PM |
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Battery size/capacity
Hi, im trying to hide my battery under the scuttle, but as you can imagine its a little tight. The battery im using was off my peugeot 106 and was
going to be just used for testing things. What im trying to find out is what determines the spec of the battery i need? Id like to use a smaller one
because the capacity probably isnt an issue with minimal electrics on the car but will it still provide enough current to turn over a big engine ie
2litre? Im thinking maybe even a 12v motorbike battery? Any reccomendations apprecited. Thanks.
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Peteff
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| posted on 11/10/04 at 08:44 PM |
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it's all about amps.
You won't turn a car engine over with a bike battery. If you want a really small battery you can get race batteries like varley red top gel
batteries but they are expensive. You could use the guts from a jump starter like the ones machine mart and co. sell.
yours, Pete
I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.
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givemethebighammer
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| posted on 11/10/04 at 10:48 PM |
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I've used a "calcium" technology type battery from a fiat cinquecento (also simlar to units fitted to various small cars i.e
suzuki, kia, etc)
The calcium stuff apparently gives more cranking amps ?
anyway cost me about £30 all in from the local battery specialists
it starts my 2.0L zetec
Just call into one of these places give the person your engine details and the space you want to fit the battery into and thery will find one for you.
Otherwise as Pete says the pure lead units (varley type) are very small but expensive.
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MikeRJ
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| posted on 12/10/04 at 09:43 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Peteff
You won't turn a car engine over with a bike battery. If you want a really small battery you can get race batteries like varley red top gel
batteries but they are expensive. You could use the guts from a jump starter like the ones machine mart and co. sell.
The jump start units use a sealed lead acid battery (at least mine does) that is definately not suitable for use as a car battery, they have very
specific charging requirements and pumping 40 amps in from the alternator would undoubtedly knacker it quite quickly.
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Peteff
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| posted on 12/10/04 at 10:02 AM |
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pumping 40 amps in from the alternator would undoubtedly knacker it quite quickly.
The one I have has a lead to charge it from the car accessory socket. It doesn't have any problem as I have used it for the last 7 years as a
camping power pack. There is no electronic trickery in the plug, just a straightforward connection as would be made to the battery direct. Alternators
only supply current when and as needed, not 40 amps whether you want it or not.
yours, Pete
I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 12/10/04 at 11:16 AM |
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40 amps would be a small alternator too .... my alternator IIRC is over 80 amps, and some are in excess of 130!!!
atb
steve
[Edited on 12/10/04 by stephen_gusterson]
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andrew-theasby
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| posted on 12/10/04 at 08:26 PM |
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Best bet sounds like a calcium type one then? Ill give it a try. Thanks.
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Hasse
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| posted on 13/10/04 at 08:40 AM |
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Hi,
Do you expect to be able to start when cold, ( below 0°C or so)?
If not, I would ay that a big motorcycle battery will do. (20-24Ah).
Several of my mates use 24Ah batteries to start their X-flows and Toyotas (1.6L) without problems.
Cranking a big single or twin is really just as hard for the battery as 2L 4-cyl engine.
Dont expect to be able to crank for a long time though when cold.
/Hasse
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MikeRJ
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| posted on 13/10/04 at 09:10 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Peteff
The one I have has a lead to charge it from the car accessory socket.
Ahh, mine has a proper charging circuit inside, I kind of assumed they were all simmilar.
I only mentioned the 40 Amps thing simply because directly after starting a car the charging current is very high as the battery voltage gets
depressed by the starter current.
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