Classic battery advice please!

goonarmy

Beer tester

LZIR Despatch Agent

Posts

45,237

Location

Hornchurch

• Mar 26, 2008

• #1

Chaps(and any chap'esses) My battery is fooked cos I only use the motor every other week.
This is where the help comes in.1)Where can I get a new half decent one?
2)Should i invest in a battery charger to keep me brand new, cheap and good battery topped up?
3)How much driving on a week by week basis will i need to do to keep me battery topped up?(ignoring all electrical demands apart from the engine cos most dont work)
Hope that last bit dont end up in the stupid questions thread but we'll see....

 

47p2

New Member

Posts

86

Location

Between there and there

• Mar 26, 2008

• #2

How about something like the C-Tek battery conditioner. It has an anti-spike so it won't harm any ECUs and is waterproof so you won't electrocute your neighbours dog when he lifts his leg on your Rangie

CTEK battery conditioner

 

D

Dr W

Active Member

Posts

258

Location

North Somerset

• Mar 27, 2008

• #3

How are these C-Tek battery conditioners different to normal chargers?

Do you have to disconnect the battery when charging?

 

R

redrenger89

New Member

Posts

567

• Mar 27, 2008

• #4

These new chargers have intelligent circuits that sense the battery condition, this prevents over charging, they also have circuits to protect other devices attatched to your from spikes etc.
The charging takes place in several stages to avoid over gassing and damage.

Really good, Caravaners use them to keep on board batteries charged, some of the range can even bring back to life previously dead batteries.

A friend in the Caravan and Camping Club has used one for some time and he also revived an old battery he now uses regularly.

Many models available though so check for suitabilty, if you are in one of the camping clubs their help line should be able to help as we all heavily rely on our 12v systems

 

47p2

New Member

Posts

86

Location

Between there and there

• Mar 27, 2008

• #5

I have been using the CTEK for a few years now on a 60 year old car that only gets used in the summer. It keeps the battery in tip top condition and I never have to worry about it being flat. I also have a second unit I use to keep spare batteries topped up.
The battery does not have to be disconnected, it is completely safe to connect direct.
If you buy the CTEK you will recieve a lead in which to connect to your car. This allows the CTEK to be plugged in and makes connection very simple.

 

groenendael

Active Member

Posts

237

• Mar 27, 2008

• #6

There are several chargers/monitors on the market ,and are especially used by the classic car movement.Have a look at Classic car, kit car and motorcycle restoration tools and equipment - Frost Auto Restoration Techniques.
I do believe that you can even purchase them at your local Halfords .

 

D

Dr W

Active Member

Posts

258

Location

North Somerset

• Mar 27, 2008

• #7

Can anyone recommend a portable battery pack I can use to jump my Classic in case of a flat battery?

I did look in Halfrauds but the ones they had on sale were not big enough (said they were suitable for up to 2 litre)

 

Pikey

Dummy Ejection Facilitator..

Posts

47,185

Location

in Baron Wet Bum's Slave pit..

• Mar 27, 2008

• #8

I use one from Halfrauds and it's been used to jumpstart a 110 and discos. As long as the battery isn't completely devoid of life it'll start em. If you want a big meaty one then autoparts or machinemart are your best bets.