Battery question...

Graeme · Post by **Graeme** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 3:56 pm

... for a car (gasp)

I recently "inherited" a car which has been unused for the last two years.

I charged the battery, however the starter motor only makes some ticking noises, it doesn't actually turn over.

Then, a mate donated a battery that has been sititng ni his garage for a couple of years. Same story with that one too.

Oddly enough, it starts fine when jumped off the other car.

The question: are both batteries likely to be knackered, or could it be the car ??

(footnote: I would try it with the battery out the other car if I knew what the code for the radio was!)

Post by **Zathos** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 4:50 pm

Sounds like the bats are f*cked. If it is jump starting ok it's probably not the car.

Check the electrolite level and check the volt drop when starting (if you have a volt meter)

Good luck

Post by **Gazza** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 5:25 pm

Definitely sounds like the batteries. Lead acid batteries like to remain charged and shouldn't be allowed to fully discharge. There are chargers out there that can somewhat recover a knackered battery (Oximate for example), but I suspect that after two years there's not a lot of chance any charge will last for very long.

The clicking nosie is probably the solenoid trying to engage the gear helix. If the car is starting easily enough with jump leads then there's not a problem with the starter motor.

Good luck.

IZINBARD · Post by **IZINBARD** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 7:21 pm

Check the fluid level in them both and then put them on a trickle charge of around 1/2 an amp for 24 to 36 hours, then have another go, if the batteries were totally flat which it sounds like then they will not take a charge off the alternator.
you will have do take the time and do it the long way, or buy a new one if time is at a premium and cost not a factor, also you get piece of mind and a guarantee.
Izz,

Shrek · Post by **Shrek** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 7:29 pm

Sod that carry on.

Let me know the dimensions of the battery (height, width and depth)
Amp rating and terminal type (post or bolt on) or just let me know the type of car and i'll get you one for a tenner.

Joe · Post by **Joe** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 8:28 pm

Shrek (formaly known as scotty) wrote: Sod that carry on.

Let me know the dimensions of the battery (height, width and depth)
Amp rating and terminal type (post or bolt on) or just let me know the type of car and i'll get you one for a tenner.

What's this? Arfur 'bloody' Daley?
:I can't believe it's not butter! :I can't believe it's not butter!

Shrek · Post by **Shrek** » Sat Jul 26, 2003 12:06 am

Ask no questions !

You haven't seen me........... RIGHT !

Graeme · Post by **Graeme** » Sat Jul 26, 2003 5:26 pm

nice one

I'll PM you the details

do you want the moolah in a brown paper bag then guv'nor?