Author Topic: Bat flattery (Read 1072 times)

HughBug · **on:** October 23, 2020, 09:47:38 AM

After not using the buggy for a long time, the battery was flat yesterday when I tried it. I started her successfully with a starter pack and went out for a spin and to get some fuel.

I had driven for about 6 miles before stopping for petrol, surely enough to charge the battery, and my voltage was up to 14v on the meter while travelling along, but after refuelling the battery was still dead and I needed to use the starter pack again to get going.

Any recommendations for a new battery; not necessarily the cheapest option ?

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

Manxdavid · **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2020, 10:53:08 AM

Any regular 063 from the local motor factor. Beetle engines don't take a lot of cranking. I'd check all the connections and earths first though or take the battery off and give it a good overnight charge.

Dave DND · **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2020, 11:45:48 AM

Get a battery centre to do a "drop test" on the battery, as the internal cells can die quite rapidly if left in a discharged and unused condition

If laying up the Buggy for any length of time ALWAYS disconnect the battery

Hunter · **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2020, 12:53:00 PM

Quote from: Dave DND on October 23, 2020, 11:45:48 AM

Get a battery centre to do a "drop test" on the battery,

If laying up the Buggy for any length of time ALWAYS disconnect the battery

If you do go for a drop test it'll need to be fully charged.

H

Dave DND · **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2020, 01:29:23 PM

Quote from: Hunter on October 23, 2020, 12:53:00 PM

If you do go for a drop test it'll need to be fully charged.

Not necessarily, my digital drop tester can test a partially charged one

HughBug · **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2020, 02:37:37 PM

Thanks everyone, just bought a 45AH 063 with 4 year warranty (allegedly

) for £33 - should keep the little bugger going for a while

I will try and take her out for a spin once a week.

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

Doon L001 · **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2020, 05:14:35 PM

Fitting a cutout switch helps as it has the same effect as disconnecting the battery but much easier. Also adds a little bit of safety and security

HughBug · **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2020, 09:13:02 PM

That's what I was thinking, an isolator switch like the red ones we had on our work boats.

How are they wired in please?

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

Doon L001 · **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2020, 10:06:41 PM

Mines just wired so everything except the starter motor cable on one side and a whopping wire the other side to the battery

BUT that means no parking lights or hazard warning lights without the switch on if that bothers you

HughBug · **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2020, 10:40:28 PM

Thanks, I don't have hazards anyway, and not likely to need parking lights but can always leave the switch on if necessary.

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

HughBug · **Reply #10 on:** October 30, 2020, 12:25:14 PM

I finally got round to fitting the new battery this morning, and despite not having run for a week the buggy fired up instantly. She even ticks over nicely more or less straight away which wasn't the case before (wouldn't settle down until properly warmed up). I have a feeling the old battery has been on the way out for a while as I reckon the alternator was working overtime and slowing tickover down

One thing I'd forgotten - the negative cable has a quick release lock, so if I want to disconnect I can just reach in under the seat and flip it off.

MOT next

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

Buggybaggy · **Reply #11 on:** October 30, 2020, 07:15:18 PM

Quote from: Doon L001 on October 23, 2020, 10:06:41 PM

Mines just wired so everything except the starter motor cable on one side and a whopping wire the other side to the battery

BUT that means no parking lights or hazard warning lights without the switch on if that bothers you

Same here.
But worth noting, that does not act as an engine kill switch when wired that way.
You can get a better switch which incorporates an engine kill facility.

Flags · **Reply #12 on:** October 30, 2020, 10:18:23 PM

Quote from: HughBug on October 30, 2020, 12:25:14 PM

I finally got round to fitting the new battery this morning, and despite not having run for a week the buggy fired up instantly. She even ticks over nicely more or less straight away which wasn't the case before (wouldn't settle down until properly warmed up). I have a feeling the old battery has been on the way out for a while as I reckon the alternator was working overtime and slowing tickover down

One thing I'd forgotten - the negative cable has a quick release lock, so if I want to disconnect I can just reach in under the seat and flip it off.

MOT next

Cheers
If you're going to fit an isolator do it the same way so it kills the earth not positive Hugh

Hugh the 2nd

HughBug · **Reply #13 on:** October 30, 2020, 10:24:38 PM

Quote from: Flags on October 30, 2020, 10:18:23 PM

If you're going to fit an isolator do it the same way so it kills the earth not positive Hugh

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April 20, 2021, 11:37:53 PM

Bat flattery