...because tho' the answer's no, the mention of battery corrosion set me wondering whether maybe it's my DIY shims. When the new battery proved to have thinner terminals than the old one, meaning you could tighten the nuts as far as possible and the clamps would still rotate, I cut shims out of a tomato can, sanded off coatings, and used them between the clamps and the terminals. If those connections aren't as good as they ought to be, I'm thinking that may account for poor recharging? Could that be it?Have you checked the battery terminals for corrosion and also the earth connection at the chassis?
Sounds like you were sold the wrong batteryThanks again all. The comment that's really got me thinking is
...because tho' the answer's no, the mention of battery corrosion set me wondering whether maybe it's my DIY shims. When the new battery proved to have thinner terminals than the old one, meaning you could tighten the nuts as far as possible and the clamps would still rotate, I cut shims out of a tomato can, sanded off coatings, and used them between the clamps and the terminals. If those connections aren't as good as they ought to be, I'm thinking that may account for poor recharging? Could that be it?
Cheers.
Could well be and it wouldn't cost you anything to check your self.
When you think about it if two metals of different sorts are in contact with each other they can also cause a reaction to which they corrode (can't remember the exact name)
You would be having three different metals on your battery terminals. The battery lugs would be lead, the leads would be steel and then the tin of can. If there's a bad connection because there either loose or corroded the voltage or amperage drawn to your starter motor will be down. Modern cars with ecu,s will detect the this and will stop it dead in its tracks from turning the starter motor in order to protect the delicate electronics systems of the car.
It's always wise to check and do the cheap things first before paying out
Do you have access to a multimeter?Thanks, that's really helpful. Well, it doesn't just stop it. It's kind of old-school. The starter starts sounding a bit reluctant, a few days later it turns the engine once or twice, then stops. And that's that, dead battery.
You say I could test to find out if this is the problem. Could you please say how I would go about it? Bearing in mind my skills in these sorts of areas are very limited.
Thanks.
I do. I'm no great expert with it, but I can usually work out the settings I need. What should I be checking?Do you have access to a multimeter?
Smart charger.
Start by checking the voltage without ignition on, then again with it on, it should hold a stable 12.8Vish, then if you have an assistant get them to watch the meter as you try to crank, if it drops to 10Vish then you have a cell gone. This time of year is battery heaven of the car spares shops, these really cold nights kill them off.I do. I'm no great expert with it, but I can usually work out the settings I need. What should I be checking?
Not all there are some smarter than others, but usually as you say anything less than 10V & they don't want to know.If the battery is dead flat, they won't recharge it.
Not all there are some smarter than others, but usually as you say anything less than 10V & they don't want to know.
Thanks, that's really helpful. I'll do that. Not today - crutches & snow. But as soon as I can.Start by checking the voltage without ignition on, then again with it on, it should hold a stable 12.8Vish, then if you have an assistant get them to watch the meter as you try to crank, if it drops to 10Vish then you have a cell gone. This time of year is battery heaven of the car spares shops, these really cold nights kill them off.
If you get it running you should see 13.5+V anywhere up to about 14.2V, then leaving it on tickover, put your headlights on full beam, you blowers on fast, your heated rear screen & mirrors, wipers, the voltage should dip very slightly as you turn them on, but should recover almost immediately, which proves your alternator is good.
But my money is on the battery, one of those things, if you can manage with just charging when not required then it will probably last the winter out & get you through the summer, but it's a risk, one I wouldn't take now, but have done through necessity in the past.
Not all there are some smarter than others, but usually as you say anything less than 10V & they don't want to know.