'66 small block battery removal/install

[Rob A.]

I haven't replaced a battery in a small block before. Just looking at it, the overflow tank and/or hoses look like they have to be removed or loosened. I don't want to do remove/loosen any more than necessary....Thanks

[Jeff S.]

Re: '66 small block battery removal/install

Rob

This may depend on the amount of 'slack' in your heater hoses. On my '66 327, I'm able change batteries without breaking coolant hose connections by:

Removing the tank straps.
Removing a couple radiator supply hose ties along the inner fender skirt.
Move the tank with all hoses intact inboard toward the engine, rotating 90 degrees downward. The 'Harrison' label will be pointing down.
Tie off in that position with a generous length of string wrapped around the tank circumference. Pull tight & fasten on oil filler tube or somewhere convenient.

Should give you enough room to snake a battery in out, but the battery itself will need to make a couple of 90 degree turns. R&R of the battery is NOT a job for someone with any lower back problems.

[Wayne K.]

What Jeff said and .....

I use and old belt to lift and maneuver the battery in and out. I slip the belt under the battery centering it with the middle zone of the battery and put the end through the buckle coming out on top of the battery. Then you can lift the battery with one hand and maneuver it with the other. If your battery has a handle then you won't need the belt. If you do use a belt don't use the one your wearing as with all the maneuvering and grunting when removing and replacing the battery there is a possibility that your pants could fall down.

Wayne

[Dave K.]

Re: What Jeff said and .....

Rob,

Jeff and Wayne are right on. If you are removing a wet cell you need to seal the cells from acid leakage as you will need to turn the battery on it's side to remove. Replacement in my 66 SB involved only dry cell handling and I did not need to seal the cells. I was told to cut small pieces of plastic, remove the caps, lay in plastic and screw in caps so you get no leakage or wrap battery in a plastic garbage bag, install the battery and cut plastc bag out from under battery.

Dave K.

[Rob A.]

Thanks for the tips.... *NM*