Correct battery?

Using leisure batteries for engine starting isn't ideal but many do it. A leisure battery is designed for deep discharge rather than handling starter currents, leisure batteries of different makes will probably be a variable compromise in both capabilities.
 
savageseadog said:
Using leisure batteries for engine starting isn't ideal but many do it. A leisure battery is designed for deep discharge rather than handling starter currents, leisure batteries of different makes will probably be a variable compromise in both capabilities.
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My thoughts too:confused:
Although, its been fine for about two years!
 
the amount of energy in any battery is finite. The design of the internal plates determines whether that energy is best delivered in short, heavy bursts (engine starting) or trickle out over a period of time (lighting, radio, etc).

Look for the figure after the initials CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) or CA, or MCA. The bigger the number, the more it is suited to being an engine battery.
 
single said:
I had a flat battery today (engine start) so brought it home to charge it. Iv'e only just noticed its says 'leisure' so is it the wrong type for the engine start? Engine is 1.5 diesel.
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Often leisure batteries are sold as dual purpose batteries but I'd expect to see a CCA rating on one that is suitable for use as a starter battery. There is no indication on the labelling of this one that it is intended to be suitable for engine starting

Generally they are suitable for supplying a load over a prolonged period, rather than engine cranking, but they are still not truly deep discharge batteries and should not be frequently discharged any lower than would be good for a starter battery, ie 50%
 
sarabande said:
the amount of energy in any battery is finite. The design of the internal plates determines whether that energy is best delivered in short, heavy bursts (engine starting) or trickle out over a period of time (lighting, radio, etc).

Look for the figure after the initials CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) or CA, or MCA. The bigger the number, the more it is suited to being an engine battery.
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I can't find any mention of CCA, just the following-

TECHNICAL

POWER POINT Leisure batteries are powerful enough to also start engines when ambient temperature is above freezing point, these liquid electrolyte batteries offer three times the cyclic capacity of their conventional counterparts.

Cyclic plate technology to ensure longer battery life.

Designed for deep discharge and recharge.

Kamina vent breather tube for safe dispersal of gases.

Magic eye charge level indication

Use wherever there is a moderate cyclic demand -

Fold away carry handles.

Magic eye charge level indication.

Use wherever there is a moderate cyclic demand - boats, caravans, motor homes.
 
It is not an engine starting battery. It is intended to be drained steadily down to about 50% then re-charged.

You need a battery, as VicS suggests, with high CCA, (say >600). These starter batteries are like re-heat on a jet. They put out a lot of power in a short time.

I have a couple of Optima Red Top batteries for farm vehicles. Their CCA is 850, and they deliver that down to -20C.
 
sarabande said:
It is not an engine starting battery. It is intended to be drained steadily down to about 50% then re-charged.

You need a battery, as VicS suggests, with high CCA, (say >600). These starter batteries are like re-heat on a jet. They put out a lot of power in a short time.

I have a couple of Optima Red Top batteries for farm vehicles. Their CCA is 850, and they deliver that down to -20C.
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Like this Tim?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RTS4-2-Optima-Red-Top-12V-TYPE-069-HEAVY-DUTY-CAR-4X4-BATTERY-/360826394586?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5402edd7da
It looks like the plates are warped in mine!
 
that's the brand. Nuts of the mutt for starting. Spill-proof, vibration resistant, as well. Quite amazing to hear the difference when starting the tractor with one of those.

However, as it is AGM, you will need a charger that has a slightly different program from ordinary acid batteries; something to do with a higher charge rate in the early stages, I think.

They do appear on ebay at prices lower than the one you posted. You can get new ones for around £60 if you wait, but they may not come from a main dealer, ahem.


Charging info. Quite important to enable an extra long life. See down the page.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/support/battery-care/charging/
 
sarabande said:
that's the brand. Nuts of the mutt for starting. Spill-proof, vibration resistant, as well. Quite amazing to hear the difference when starting the tractor with one of those.

However, as it is AGM, you will need a charger that has a slightly different program from ordinary acid batteries; something to do with a higher charge rate in the early stages, I think.

They do appear on ebay at prices lower than the one you posted. You can get new ones for around £60 if you wait, but they may not come from a main dealer, ahem.


Charging info. Quite important to enable an extra long life. See down the page.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/support/battery-care/charging/
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With that info. for the red top, i will need to find out the spec of my smart-charger first.
 
single said:
Like this Tim?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RTS4-2-Optima-Red-Top-12V-TYPE-069-HEAVY-DUTY-CAR-4X4-BATTERY-/360826394586?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5402edd7da
It looks like the plates are warped in mine!
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Provided you have an efficient charging regime, you only use the battery for starting the engine and the engine is a good starter there is no need to go to the expense of that type of battery. An ordinary car battery recommended for a 1.5l diesel engine is more than enough. They usually have a CCA of 800+ and a capacity of around 70 AH. That is what I have in my 2L diesel car and works fine, lasting 7 years. Similar type in my boat starting a 30hp Volvo is now 6 years old and starts the engine instantly.

It is quite possible to use an AGM such as the Optima or a Red Flash but their major benefits are that they are smaller, lighter and can be mounted in any orientation - but at a price that is nearly double a standard lead acid battery. If you do not have space constraints then a standard car battery is fine. The capacity is more than enough and if you have a split charge system it is back up to full charge after a very short period of engine running.
 
Tranona said:
Provided you have an efficient charging regime, you only use the battery for starting the engine and the engine is a good starter there is no need to go to the expense of that type of battery. An ordinary car battery recommended for a 1.5l diesel engine is more than enough. They usually have a CCA of 800+ and a capacity of around 70 AH. That is what I have in my 2L diesel car and works fine, lasting 7 years. Similar type in my boat starting a 30hp Volvo is now 6 years old and starts the engine instantly.

It is quite possible to use an AGM such as the Optima or a Red Flash but their major benefits are that they are smaller, lighter and can be mounted in any orientation - but at a price that is nearly double a standard lead acid battery. If you do not have space constraints then a standard car battery is fine. The capacity is more than enough and if you have a split charge system it is back up to full charge after a very short period of engine running.
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Very true and standard ones have worked for the last 15 years with no problems.
 
single said:
I had a flat battery today (engine start) so brought it home to charge it. Iv'e only just noticed its says 'leisure' so is it the wrong type for the engine start? Engine is 1.5 diesel.
View attachment 46565View attachment 46566
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If it has started your engine for 2 years, it's good enough to be your starter battery. From what I can tell, many so called leisure batteries are no different to starter batteries, they merely have a different sticker on them.

Save yourself some money. Charge it up and carry on as before!

Having said that..... why is it flat?
 
I wouldn't worry at all. The odds are the plates in it are the same as used in a truck battery, it will just have different separation.
It will give a lower CCA than a battery optimised for starting duties, but you will not do any harm using it that way if its performance is adequate.
You wouldn't normally use a dedicated high CCA starter battery this big for an engine that size. It should be fine.
 
After a bit of research it seems more sensible to stick with a standard car battery. Apperantly the ideal battery is 420cca for that engine. I have ended up with Exide X-tra plus 063TE 47Ah 450cca. As some said, if i get bigger, it takes longer to charge and while its charging the domestic won't be. All makes sense.
 
single said:
As some said, if i get bigger, it takes longer to charge and while its charging the domestic won't be. All makes sense.
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Not sure that bit is right. When you start the engine it takes the same amount from the battery irrespective of what the ultimate capacity is. The only reason for having additional capacity is as reserve in the event that starting is not instant. Recharging time is the same. If you have a VSR to split the charge it will charge the start battery in preference to the domestic, but the time when the domestic is not getting full charge is short.
 
a battery with more Ah capacity will certainly take a longer time to charge than a small one IF it is low.

As above, if the engine starts straight away, the recharge time will be the same whether it's a big battery or a small one.


Those of a belt and braces and piece of string mentality will be happier with an 'engine' battery with lots of spare capacity, in case of a starting problem needing lots of turning.

I can't comment on the preferential charging, as I don't know what setup and kit you have.
 
My battery is a leisure type, a Numax 86AH and according to the manufacturers spec' it can supply CCA(SAE)900 Marine. and this has given quite a few years of service without problems, mind you it must depend on the size of engine being cranked, mine's quite small, a Petter Mini Twin.
 
single said:
After a bit of research it seems more sensible to stick with a standard car battery. Apperantly the ideal battery is 420cca for that engine. I have ended up with Exide X-tra plus 063TE 47Ah 450cca. As some said, if i get bigger, it takes longer to charge and while its charging the domestic won't be. All makes sense.
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But use what you have at present if it charges up Ok.
When you have to replace it is the time to swap over to a "proper" starter battery.
 
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