Alt and batt question(s)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
Alt and batt question(s)
Battery dead in my '74, didn't put on trickle charger this winter, had the car four years...used a "jump pack" from work and she fired right up...left it on for 10 min's or so, took pack off battery, car ran fine, turned headlights on and died immediately. This make me think alternator is shot. Before I go and buy one, I am going to throw my new Optima red-top in, see how that goes. Just don't want to get stranded is all.
Also, got the Optima from NAPA, do I need to trickle charge it first to "top it off?" I have a battery tender that I generally leave on the 'Vette during these harsh New England winters...
Thanks,
Kevin
Also, got the Optima from NAPA, do I need to trickle charge it first to "top it off?" I have a battery tender that I generally leave on the 'Vette during these harsh New England winters...
Thanks,
Kevin
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I went to a PowerMaster 105 or 110 alternator and a battery cutoff switch.
I used to do the battery tender. The cutoff switch is a good idea unless you have to have radio power to maintain your presets.
I used to do the battery tender. The cutoff switch is a good idea unless you have to have radio power to maintain your presets.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,455
Likes: 977
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I have the battery cutoff switch on my Kirkland (Costco battery) and another Kirkland battery on a 1994 Mustang GT and the batteries are still good after 12 years and still good-unbelieveable! I always disconnect them after I drive both cars and the batteries are in remarkable shape after all these years. I have a battery tender on my C6 Z06 since you need battery power to operate the doors!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Battery dead in my '74, didn't put on trickle charger this winter, had the car four years...used a "jump pack" from work and she fired right up...left it on for 10 min's or so, took pack off battery, car ran fine, turned headlights on and died immediately. This make me think alternator is shot. Before I go and buy one, I am going to throw my new Optima red-top in, see how that goes. Just don't want to get stranded is all.
Also, got the Optima from NAPA, do I need to trickle charge it first to "top it off?" I have a battery tender that I generally leave on the 'Vette during these harsh New England winters...
Thanks,
Kevin
Also, got the Optima from NAPA, do I need to trickle charge it first to "top it off?" I have a battery tender that I generally leave on the 'Vette during these harsh New England winters...
Thanks,
Kevin
Charge your battery fully and drop it in , then check the alt output.
This will tell you what to do next.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 820
From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 820
From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Hello
What is the average time a battery is supposed to last? I think I end up changing mine out every 3-4 years anyway.
If your battery is already 4+ years already ( "...had the car four years....") then is it time for a new battery?
That seems to be the time I change mine out.
kdf
What is the average time a battery is supposed to last? I think I end up changing mine out every 3-4 years anyway.
If your battery is already 4+ years already ( "...had the car four years....") then is it time for a new battery?
That seems to be the time I change mine out.
kdf
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Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
I buy cheap battery's , because I feel they sell more of those and therefor they are fresher ,mine almost always last at least 6 years. I have one in my motor-home that is 8 years old and gets started around 4 times a year.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Carol Stream IL
The red top is for higher cranking amps, the yellow top is the long interval. I always go with the red top and it works just fine after a long winter. You can take you car to autozone and they can test the battery and alt while the car is running. You just have to tell the person to check both. OR you can un hook the battery cables while the car is running and if it does the alt is bad. OR you can take the easy route and use a miltimeter to check batt voltage when its running, like stated earlier 14 volts or so and turn it off and the batt should read 12 volts. Just some options.