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New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:25 pm
by twidds
Noticed a slow start B4, then last night the old flat battery werr werr click click etc.
As a full member AA (And AA!) I gave a call. He Unclipped one battery to test them individually even though for his electronic gadget he said he didn't have Bongo info.
OUTCOME Get two new batteries as a bad one takes the good one with it. Alternator charging and no significant drain.
SO. Which ones ? OR just buy one big 105 amp battery for now ?
And/OR. what about IS now the time to install the leisure battery, so get a wackin ah battery to start?
Thanks

Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 2:36 pm
by wonkanoby
Your not making sense
you got 2 new batteries you said
i assume in this case you have a twin battery winter one from nothern japan?
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 2:43 pm
by missfixit70
If you've got the twin battery set up, just get one starter battery, this very similar thread may help -
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ct#p518804
I'd try charging them both properly & see if they hold a charge, one may be ok to use as an LB for now, just isolate the positive to the second starter battery & get a split charge set up sorted from Willinton -
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/willinton/ (send him an email throught the contact link explaining the situation & what you're after)
Don't just sling any dead batteries, I got £7 from the local scrap metal place for my old LB

Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:25 pm
by twidds
Thanks for the replies.
Yes it is this one "
have a twin battery winter one from nothern japan?
"
And
Thank you for the other threads now read.
Think i'll keep it standard n go for the two 70Ah 068. batteries.Will equal 140 Ah cranking rather than the one 249 at 85Ah cranking and a leisure battery. The leisure battery would be mainly to power a cool box overnight and i've read these consume lots of power anyway.
Still

Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:33 pm
by missfixit70
You really don't need the 2 starter batteries in this country, especially in Paignton, bit of a waste of money IMO.
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:36 pm
by twidds
Just the one 85Ah then? for now. or a 105Ah one ?
and thanks
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 3:43 pm
by missfixit70
AS I understand it it's Cold Cranking Amps thats important, not Amp Hours, pretty sure the 249 is the recommended size for a bongo, should be more than adequate. Should be factsheet/s in the members area that may help.
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 4:49 pm
by DanO
See the referenced post. It's easy once you get the right battery terminal orientation
If you can get to a euro parts depo, the price is even cheaper......15-20 off internet price.....that's your "free delivery". Just check stock before you go.
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:54 pm
by twidds
Have found this on ebay LUCAS 12V 335/249 CAR BATTERY .LIFETIME WARRANTY
free delivery £99
Been, looked and measured the battery and saw it sits in a rather snug tray in a bigger tray. The original battery measures 26cm but I have noticed the 249 battery is 30.2cm.. Will I just remove the little tray or cut the end off to fit ?

Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:27 am
by DanO
I also had that little removable tray, obviously didn't fit the bigger battery so I took it out. Just make sure you securely fit the battery so it doesn't move around.
Just checked that battery against the one I bought, mine is slightly longer but other than that it's the same size. I really wouldn't worry about a lifetime warranty, that wont be worth the paper it's written on. Also, the ebay seller is showing a best offer - so obviously don't pay the advertised price, knock 10 - 20 and see what counter offer he comes back with.
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:46 pm
by twidds
Looks like it's to be a Banner 335/249......
After phoning everyone and their dog! Kwik fit
etc could only supply the battery recommended which was er er er none for a bongo. I asked just for the battery I wanted, a 249 type, and no go.!
How can they make things so difficult.....n they wonder why we go to the internet.
Eventually found local Autoquip helpful and a good price.
Collect it tomorrow.

will be

when its in situ......will I have to charge it first?
Thanks all.
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 5:45 pm
by Jaws
These fit fine and are available with battery posts in either position. Being suitable for 'cranking' or leisure use is a bonus. I am not a rep for the company but have used a pair of these for a year so far with no problems and they have a five year warranty.
http://www.elecsolbatteries.com/product ... l-100.html
Available from several outlets including Tanya
http://www.tayna.co.uk/ELECSOL-100-Carb ... P7827.html
Hope you find your solution!
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:33 pm
by maxi_77
I would not go for using a leisure battery for every day starting. They are designed more for providing steady power for long periods rather than big chunks very quickly. Boats get away with using LBs for starting because they don't start that often, compared top a car. Using an LB for starting every day will almost certainly reduce it's working life. Starter batteries are designed to give big currents for short periods and recover quickly from that, and if disharged like an LB will not last that long.
The first need is for a decent starting battery, there are plenty around so that will not be that difficult.
If you need the power when the engine is not running then fit an LB as well but choose a proper one.
There are some decent warranties around these days in terms of time but remember you will have to use the battery are it was intended to claim and be able to prove that. In reality I would not rely on a battery warranty that much even though my choice of LBs for our boat was helped along by the manufacturers warranty.
LBs are a compromise between real deep dishcharge batteries and starting batteries but in reality their starting capacity is limited as they cannot deliver the CCA outputs that an equivalent size starting battery can.
When we bought the current boat it just had LBs even for engine start, and the rather old engine needed a fair ammount of encouragement to start. I fitted a proper starting battery, the same as I used on my 2.5TD Freda and all my starting problems went away. The engine turns over faster and starts faster now, just as good as a rebuild.
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 10:06 am
by twidds
Turned out to be a Planet PLA 249 uk249/335
12v 100Ah 680A
Not installed yet. I looked on the internet for some information but couldn't find anything.
Thought they had glued it to the bench, for a laugh, when I collected it.
Adding car batteries to washing machines on my list " Make yourself scarce when need to be moved"
Re: New batteries said the AA man
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 2:38 pm
by twidds
All installed and tickety boo.
Disconnected the second battery, but left it in situ. Thought if I work out which one was the naffest I could leave the good one on so if the new one lets me down I could just re connect it.
Did notice though there was verdigree stuff between battery terminal and connections so do wonder wether maybe that was all it was in the first place.
Anyway, removed battery on charger which will hopefully indicate "damaged battery".
Cheers all
