Battery replacement type?

[Deleted]

Having read the other threads about replacement batteries can anyone be more specific about which type is best?

Someone said 55AH minimum but handbook says 57AH and someone else said at least 90AH as long as it fits. Anyone recently purchased one that they can recommend?

Thanks

(1969 P5B Saloon)

[RichardF]

I went the path of the largest amp/hour battery that would fit in the slot. I was particularly careful to measure the maximum height that would fit with the battery cover on to avoid shorting out. The battery purchased was an 88 amp/hour and I found it by trawling google and finding a dealership near me to ensure fitment. I had no problem dealing with the difference in battery terminal locations. At the time of fitment, I also refurb'd the earth connections to the battery; additionally, I added a second earth connection in the boot area.
Sorry, I can't remember the vendor but seem to remember trawling google with "heavy duty 12 volt auto battery".
Good luck
Richard
Southampton

[Phil Nottingham]

Use Search set to 1000 days and 100 items and you will see all the alternatives

[Deleted]

Thanks Richard and Phil. Found this thread which was helpful:

roverp5.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=general31&action=display&thread=1120065458

I'll measure the retaining bracket to get an idea of maximum height and get something hefty.

[Deleted]

Its going to be up to 13"L x 8"H x 7"D which is about the max for the retaining frame (in mine at least).

[Phil Nottingham]

Beware of too much spare capacity as this can actully be detrimental to battery life as it never is fully charged as not being used sufficiently, which is one of the reasons which oversized batteries are put on in the first place.


The problem is getting one that is just right for you own useage and load

[Deleted]

I suppose we are fitting maintenance free batteries?

[RichardF]

Just one point regarding size of battery. You need to ensure there is enough gap at the ends to allow for the battery cables; this will include whether to allow the cables to rise inside the battery clamp or outside it - the latter being quite tight.
Richard
Southampton

[Deleted]

Thanks guys. Went for a Motorcraft 71AH (I work at a "Fix Or Repair Daily" dealership), it was in stock, was the highest AH within the size limits, checked and charged and with staff discount I was sorted. (And yes, maintenance free.)

Roger the Rover roars again!

Two problems though. Firstly the sides are quite low (stepped down from the top) and the retaining bracket sits so low there is no thread on the two end bolts so I have had to insert a couple of pieces of wood to build the height back up. Hence I wouldn't particularly recommend this one. Cables will be threaded under the ends of the bracket.

Secondly there are no holes to to screw the cable ends into. They were of course designed for the clamp type of ends. Can I drill holes into the terminals to accept screws?

[Phil Nottingham]

Yes you can drill them but not advisable and would invalidate warranty. The old helmet type terminals are better replaced with the modern and far better open clamp type which make a far better connection. Some P5's came with these fitted (but soldered on) anyway so it would even be "original" if that is wanted. 71 ah is good compromise

Remember that these are generally universal these days asd once fitted the respective unwanted "-" and "+" is filed off


Why not thread the clamps further down or add tube spacers

[Deleted]

Doh! Forgot about the 3 year warranty, thanks.

Excellent advice, I'll get some clamps.

Many thanks again all.

[Deleted]

Phil, just noticed your last line about the clamps.

Don't have a tap 'n dye set (haven't seen one since my 'O' level metalwork class) but spacers are an interesting idea. Would then route the cables over the frame of course.

[Roger]

So unless I'm missing something is there a recommendation of typre and capacity?
I have been using a Unipart Samson, which listed the P5 in the catalogue, these are now not listed and the lifetime warranty is now not valid as a result, clever trick that!

Any ideas?

[Phil Nottingham]

That's the usual warranty get out. As there are numerous types that will fit and do the job with differing degrees its just a matter of shopping round, lifetime now does not always mean lifetime 10 years from now so why bother paying a premium. Dynamo P5's will get through batteries faster than alternator P5B's

Lincon Batteries were the only ones that gave the full list