Batteries

**gruntfuttock** · 13th March 2006, 06:17 PM

I had to replace my battery in the (Fender 2004 model)

1. I was told that the original battery is a lead calcium battery. The reason was given that the lead acid batteries could boil with the charge rate from the alternator.

2. These batteries, I was told, do not like being discharged and if you run many other things while the motor is off, you should install a dual battery system. To recharge them you must have a charger that is capable of delivering high amps. (eg 10+ amps)

After much running around Melbourne, and having some sparkies just shug their shoulders and say "A battery is a battery, just put anything in" I found somebody who did know what he was talking about.

He sold me an AC delco battery, same amps as the original, and guaranteed it for 2 1/2 years. Cost $150

Tullamarine Auto Electrical & Mechanical
59 Sharps Rd, Tullamarine
Telephone (03) 9338 8944
Facsimile (03) 9338 8537

If I am wrong with any of these detailes please correct me. I am not an expert in electrical affairs, I am just repeating what I belive to be the truth after much dissusion with dealers, sparkies, mechanics, etc.

**p38arover** · 13th March 2006, 07:59 PM

I've been running a Delkor lead calcium battery in my P38A for the past 3-1/2 years. I've flattened it (very flat) many times and I've charged it many times with my 4A charger and my 2.5A charger.

Ron

**gruntfuttock** · 13th March 2006, 08:04 PM

He said that it is possible to charge a lead calcium battery with an ordinary charger, only it will take a long time. He said "These batteries respond and have a better life if they are charged with a heavy and rapid charge"

Why???

Stuffed if I know. He was far too busy to sit chatting with me

would have loved to know a lot more. He just said that "they are a far more reliable battery"

**drivesafe** · 13th March 2006, 08:13 PM

Hi gruntfuttock, go to the URL I have posted bellow and it should give you all the info about your battery and also check your fenders manual, that should give you the maximum charging voltage.

Just make sure the fenders charging voltage doesn’t exceed the battery’s maximum.

Cheers

http://www.acdelco.com.au/

**p38arover** · 13th March 2006, 08:16 PM

See http://www.landiss.com/battery.htm

**LandyAndy** · 13th March 2006, 09:26 PM

Hi Gruntfuttock
I had this conversation with my auto elec last week.He is a fellow "Landynut" and has a 130 TD5 and a 110 6x6 Camper.
Yes cheap lead acid batteries may boil on a hot day with all accesories running flat out.
I told him I have the AC Delco as yours has,they arent a lead calcium battery as such but do have a portion if calcium in them.If I wanted a new battery the AC Delco is what he would reccomend."They do extremely well in a lot more harsh environment than you could ever produce in a TD5"
Andrew

**gruntfuttock** · 14th March 2006, 09:07 AM

Thanks for the feedback

.

It seems he gave me the correct one.

**aston** · 14th March 2006, 09:49 AM

Hi,

I'm not sure about this charge rate business I think the jury is still out on that.

My understanding is that calcium lead alloy is what the grid plate is made of and all it does is make a very tough grid with bigger holes allowing more lead paste to adhere to it and the the same time make the plate more ridgid and durable against vibration

I recently replaced the battery in the Discovery
with a AC Delco S31-901MF. 112AH, 930CCA, 200RC.

it doesn't appear in their web site
RR $225 Trade $168incl GST

It is a very snug fit the only problem is that the terminals are centered instead of to one side.
This requires a bit of stretching of the battery cables to reach

Cheers aston

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