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"Dry cell" batteries....
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"Dry cell" batteries....
I'm switching over from"wet" to "dry". I used to always use wet acid batteries due to the fact that I couldn't justify the price spread between the two. Now that a decent automotive acid battery is around the $100.00 mark and a dry is $130-150 range it's going to be competitive. The dry type seems to be more flexible too in that you can use them as a deep-cycle as well. They're familiar with fast charge caracteristics. More friendly that way.
I'm tired of stale batteries in my boat as well as my tractors and I've heard way more good than bad over the recent years about them. I'm done with wet cells... |
"Dry cell" batteries....
On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:04:14 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote: I'm switching over from"wet" to "dry". I used to always use wet acid batteries due to the fact that I couldn't justify the price spread between the two. Now that a decent automotive acid battery is around the $100.00 mark and a dry is $130-150 range it's going to be competitive. The dry type seems to be more flexible too in that you can use them as a deep-cycle as well. They're familiar with fast charge caracteristics. More friendly that way. I'm tired of stale batteries in my boat as well as my tractors and I've heard way more good than bad over the recent years about them. I'm done with wet cells... "Dry" ? Do you mean gell cell or AGM? |
"Dry cell" batteries....
AGM Greg. That's why I said "dry" because that's a common term for them. The gel cells will slowly leak when punctured. But that's rare. I'm sure they're around, but gel's aren't popular in my area.
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"Dry cell" batteries....
On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:47:31 -0700 (PDT), Tim
wrote: AGM Greg. That's why I said "dry" because that's a common term for them. The gel cells will slowly leak when punctured. But that's rare. I'm sure they're around, but gel's aren't popular in my area. === Both gel cells and AGMs are somewhat more finicky about how they are charged. That said, I've switched over to AGM starting batteries on the big boat. So far, so good. Almost two years and several major cruises and they still seem to be going strong. I've made no changes to the voltage regulators. Previously each engine had a single 8D starting batt. I replaced them with two Group 31M AGMs in parallel (Sears Platinum DieHards). The combined AGMs have more cold cranking power than the single 8D, are much easier to change out, and so far seem to be more durable. THe only downside that I can see is that the AGMs will be more difficult to source in the boondocks if that ever becomes necessary. |
"Dry cell" batteries....
On 8/17/2015 3:45 PM, Wayne.B wrote:
On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:47:31 -0700 (PDT), Tim wrote: AGM Greg. That's why I said "dry" because that's a common term for them. The gel cells will slowly leak when punctured. But that's rare. I'm sure they're around, but gel's aren't popular in my area. === Both gel cells and AGMs are somewhat more finicky about how they are charged. That said, I've switched over to AGM starting batteries on the big boat. So far, so good. Almost two years and several major cruises and they still seem to be going strong. I've made no changes to the voltage regulators. Previously each engine had a single 8D starting batt. I replaced them with two Group 31M AGMs in parallel (Sears Platinum DieHards). The combined AGMs have more cold cranking power than the single 8D, are much easier to change out, and so far seem to be more durable. THe only downside that I can see is that the AGMs will be more difficult to source in the boondocks if that ever becomes necessary. When we were in Florida, I had a small boat and electric trolling motor for use on the little man-made pond behind our house (shared with the resident alligator). After doing some reading I opted for an AGM battery for the motor. The AGM recharges faster and is rated to discharge lower than a wet, lead acid. It was a little more expensive but wasn't ridiculously priced. |
"Dry cell" batteries....
Richard, that's what I'm going for. Besides that I understand that not only do they have a faster recovery rate, but like for my tractors they have a lot less thermal discharge in the cold weather.
Wayne I think you did the smarter thing by replacing the 8-Ds in this way. Yes replacing them in the unknown might be tough but small traditional batteries are still a universal option. At least you can still get home... |
"Dry cell" batteries....
On 8/17/2015 6:59 PM, Tim wrote:
Richard, that's what I'm going for. Besides that I understand that not only do they have a faster recovery rate, but like for my tractors they have a lot less thermal discharge in the cold weather. Wayne I think you did the smarter thing by replacing the 8-Ds in this way. Yes replacing them in the unknown might be tough but small traditional batteries are still a universal option. At least you can still get home... That reminds me. My John Deere tractor is on it's second lead acid battery and, being a diesel, has a tough time turning over in the dead of winter unless I keep it in one of the heated garages. I think I might replace it with an AGM before next winter (assuming we are still here) and see if it can handle the cold weather better. I tried putting one of those magnetic heaters on the oil pan last winter. It was worthless. I ended up keeping the tractor in our "barn garage" that has a 10kw and a second 5kw electric "kicker" in the air handler for the AC unit. I just set the thermostat at about 40 degrees and the tractor has no problem turning over or starting. If I leave it outside in 20 degree or less temps overnight it can't turn over. |
"Dry cell" batteries....
I just picked one up at the local Rural King store. 975 CCA, 685 reserve, 2 yr warranty $129.00 and core (I've got plenty of them). Tomorrow it goes on the test bench to see how it holds. If its satisfactory then I'll change out more as needed.
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"Dry cell" batteries....
On 8/17/2015 9:46 PM, Tim wrote:
I just picked one up at the local Rural King store. 975 CCA, 685 reserve, 2 yr warranty $129.00 and core (I've got plenty of them). Tomorrow it goes on the test bench to see how it holds. If its satisfactory then I'll change out more as needed. That seems like a very reasonable price. I just bought a new lead-acid for my truck (the original finally gave up the ghost). Got it at AutoZone for $158. 1000 CCA. The tractor doesn't need anything that big. AutoZone carries the AGM batteries as well, so I'll check them out. I noticed something interesting after I replaced the truck battery. It seemed to have more pep .. or maybe just more response to the throttle. Shift points were different also. Then I realized that the truck computer was re-learning my driving habits. I normally drive like an old lady, rarely exceeding 3,000 RPM when accelerating. So, after 7 years, it apparently had adjusted the timing and shifts accordingly. |
"Dry cell" batteries....
Richard, part of the better throttle response is that with the new battery, the computer is getting better voltage due to less drag on the alternator. So with the efficiency of the new storage box, the computer and ignition as well as injector system benefited from a slighter higher amp flow. And that could be as little as .2 volts difference.
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"Dry cell" batteries....
On 8/17/2015 11:01 PM, Tim wrote:
Richard, part of the better throttle response is that with the new battery, the computer is getting better voltage due to less drag on the alternator. So with the efficiency of the new storage box, the computer and ignition as well as injector system benefited from a slighter higher amp flow. And that could be as little as .2 volts difference. Could be. I don't know. The difference was immediately noticeable. Recently we had a discussion here about how auto batteries don't give much warning when they are about to croak. That was certainly the case with my truck. It seemed fine ... started with normal vigor until one day when I started it it seemed just a tad sluggish turning over. Not something very noticeable and probably would have missed had I not been paying attention. I had been expecting the battery to go bad because it was 7 years old, so I headed straight for the local AutoZone store to pick up a new battery. Store is only about 5-6 miles from my house. Bought the new battery, intending to go back home and change it. Got back in the truck and tried to start it. Dead. Wouldn't turn over. That's how fast the original battery went. Had to change it in the AutoZone parking lot. |
"Dry cell" batteries....
Richard I had a bad battery in my Buick that would start like new. But I pulled into a gas station and left the headlights on for noore than 5 minutes.. Hit the key and k-k-k-click. I shut the headlights off and was eyeballing people whoo might give me a jump. After a couple minutes of sitting there I happened to try the key again and it started like new. When I got home I went for another battery....
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"Dry cell" batteries....
On Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 5:00:01 AM UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 8/17/2015 11:01 PM, Tim wrote: Richard, part of the better throttle response is that with the new battery, the computer is getting better voltage due to less drag on the alternator. So with the efficiency of the new storage box, the computer and ignition as well as injector system benefited from a slighter higher amp flow. And that could be as little as .2 volts difference. Could be. I don't know. The difference was immediately noticeable. Recently we had a discussion here about how auto batteries don't give much warning when they are about to croak. That was certainly the case with my truck. It seemed fine ... started with normal vigor until one day when I started it it seemed just a tad sluggish turning over. Not something very noticeable and probably would have missed had I not been paying attention. I had been expecting the battery to go bad because it was 7 years old, so I headed straight for the local AutoZone store to pick up a new battery. Store is only about 5-6 miles from my house. Bought the new battery, intending to go back home and change it. Got back in the truck and tried to start it. Dead. Wouldn't turn over. That's how fast the original battery went. Had to change it in the AutoZone parking lot. Wal Mart installs while you wait. Pretty good deal. The local Advance Auto does also. |
"Dry cell" batteries....
On Monday, August 17, 2015 at 11:01:03 PM UTC-4, Tim wrote:
Richard, part of the better throttle response is that with the new battery, the computer is getting better voltage due to less drag on the alternator. So with the efficiency of the new storage box, the computer and ignition as well as injector system benefited from a slighter higher amp flow. And that could be as little as .2 volts difference. Tim, you reckon they make AGM batteries for the Guzzi, or should I just stick with the $39.95 garden tractor batteries that last three years or so? |
"Dry cell" batteries....
Oh I'm sure the do make them for motorcycles John. I have a neighbor that got tired of lead/acid batteries in his Honda 4 wheeler so he did some digging on the 'net and found a Lithium replacement for his application and bought it. He paid out the yang for it and was amazed at how small it was. But he installed it and hasn't been happier. Fantastic starting capability. I suppose if they're good enough for a Toyota Prius then it ought to work for a 4 wheeler.
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"Dry cell" batteries....
John H. wrote:
On Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 5:00:01 AM UTC-4, Mr. Luddite wrote: On 8/17/2015 11:01 PM, Tim wrote: Richard, part of the better throttle response is that with the new battery, the computer is getting better voltage due to less drag on the alternator. So with the efficiency of the new storage box, the computer and ignition as well as injector system benefited from a slighter higher amp flow. And that could be as little as .2 volts difference. Could be. I don't know. The difference was immediately noticeable. Recently we had a discussion here about how auto batteries don't give much warning when they are about to croak. That was certainly the case with my truck. It seemed fine ... started with normal vigor until one day when I started it it seemed just a tad sluggish turning over. Not something very noticeable and probably would have missed had I not been paying attention. I had been expecting the battery to go bad because it was 7 years old, so I headed straight for the local AutoZone store to pick up a new battery. Store is only about 5-6 miles from my house. Bought the new battery, intending to go back home and change it. Got back in the truck and tried to start it. Dead. Wouldn't turn over. That's how fast the original battery went. Had to change it in the AutoZone parking lot. Wal Mart installs while you wait. Pretty good deal. The local Advance Auto does also. When I'm due I want to watch them replace it. I don't even know where the battery is! |
"Dry cell" batteries....
Tim wrote:
Oh I'm sure the do make them for motorcycles John. I have a neighbor that got tired of lead/acid batteries in his Honda 4 wheeler so he did some digging on the 'net and found a Lithium replacement for his application and bought it. He paid out the yang for it and was amazed at how small it was. But he installed it and hasn't been happier. Fantastic starting capability. I suppose if they're good enough for a Toyota Prius then it ought to work for a 4 wheeler. I have a friend who owns a Batteries Plus franchise. If you set up a corporate account, they offer deep discounts and their warranty is the best in the business. Super cheap batteries for UPS backups, too. |
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