Battery Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield IL
Battery Question
I installed a new battery in my '81 about 1.5 years ago. I start the car about every two to three weeks. Unless I keep a Battery Tender (trickle charge) connected, the battery has insufficient charge to start the car. My charging system works fine. Is the clock draining the battery? If I installed a shut-off switch at the battery, would this solve the problem?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Battery Question (Biker)
My '81 did the same thing when I 1st got it. I fitted one of those shut off switch things & it's OK now. The bloke who sold it to me told me that the alarm system would drain the battery in about 2 weeks but I've never bothered to find out if that's true ;)
:cheers:
Paul
p.s. they're pigs to start with a flat battery! :yesnod:
:cheers:
Paul
p.s. they're pigs to start with a flat battery! :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Battery Question (Biker)
My '81 will drain the battery over time as well, but believe it takes longer than two weeks, however I do not have the OEM clock(got an oil temp gauge instead), and have an aftermarket am/fm radio / tape player, which has a built in clock feature, so it's possible that this radio clock, uses less electricity than the factory clock. I do know that my factory alarm system is operational, so I guess that would be taking some juice as well.
I use a battery tender during winter storage now, it's supposed to put back just what it looses, and is not supposed to overcharge. Have used this for last two winters and the vette starts right up when taking it out of storage.
I use a battery tender during winter storage now, it's supposed to put back just what it looses, and is not supposed to overcharge. Have used this for last two winters and the vette starts right up when taking it out of storage.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield IL
Re: Battery Question (Biker)
Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll invest in a battery shut-off switch. Any suggestions where can I find one online? I need a side mount type.
I believe the clocks in new radios draw significantly less current then the factory piece. I have an aftermarket alarm, though it's not activated unless my doors are locked. I don't lock the car in my garage.
I believe the clocks in new radios draw significantly less current then the factory piece. I have an aftermarket alarm, though it's not activated unless my doors are locked. I don't lock the car in my garage.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield IL
Re: Battery Question (Alwyn678)
My problem is I only start my '81 every two to three weeks year-round. If I do drive the car, it's only for <20 miles. I realize my battery isn't getting a good charge from an alternator. Should I keep my Battery Tender connected all the time. Is this a good idea?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Battery Question (Biker)
Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll invest in a battery shut-off switch. Any suggestions where can I find one online? I need a side mount type.
Not sure about connecting the trickle charger all the time. I'd try it (as that's what it's supposed to do).
Even better, do what I do & take the car for a long pointless & directionless drive :D On a nice evening I jump on my bike, have a long circular ride to where I keep the Vette, take the Vette for a long drive, put it back in the garage & ride home (maybe stopping for a pint on the way). Evenings like that sure blow out the cobwebs & put a smile on yer face :yesnod:
:cheers:
Paul
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Plainfield IL
Re: Battery Question (UKPaul)
Funny you mention a long ride. That's what I attempted to do last night, but...
I wound up on my Harley instead. What brand of battery do you have in your car?
I wound up on my Harley instead. What brand of battery do you have in your car?
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Battery Question (Biker)
Funny you mention a long ride. That's what I attempted to do last night, but...
I wound up on my Harley instead.
I wound up on my Harley instead.
What brand of battery do you have in your car?
:cheers:
Paul
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Battery Question (UKPaul)
Hi,
My battery is an Exide, type ES8 & is 60AH. It was fitted just prior to me buying the car & went completely flat in the 1st week that I had it!! I have a Clifford alarm system fitted instead of the factory original but I don't know if it draws more current than the original system (I just leave it disconnected).
Paul
My battery is an Exide, type ES8 & is 60AH. It was fitted just prior to me buying the car & went completely flat in the 1st week that I had it!! I have a Clifford alarm system fitted instead of the factory original but I don't know if it draws more current than the original system (I just leave it disconnected).
Paul