68 Battery Question

[Kurt B.]

Are there any "tricks" to rejuvenating a battery other than just putting it on a charger? Battery is NEW correct style but will not start car when engine is hot (only when cold) and I could use the judging points without buying another resto battery for $275.00
That's the reason I am asking
Thanks,
Kurt

[Steven C.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Kurt,

It cranks well when cold but not when hot? Or, it cranks OK cold and hot, but won't fire when hot?

The first scenario is a starter problem, the seocnd is usually the missing return wire to the coil from the solenoid.

You probably know all that. I have heard of using only distilled water with the battery acid when you first fill the battery...using tap water is discouraged. I've also heard of replacing battery acid with a fresh batch to extend or rejuvenate a battery. I've never heard anything (good or bad) about the "pills" to rejuvenate batteries (i.e., JC Whitney), might be worth a try.

Steve

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Steve,
Thanks for the reply.
Car cranks and starts when cold, will not crank when engine is warmed up.
Reason: Battery (even thought it is new) does not have enough cranking amps as tested on machine by local NAPA.
I have gone the whole route with starters etc and it's definitely the reproduction battery. Current AC Delco in it starts fine everytime, hot or cold.

This may sound dumb but how do I get all the acid out of the battery, just tip it upside down? I will try your suggestion of replacing it with new acid and distilled water. Is their a ratio of water to acid or should I use 100% acid?
Thanks
Kurt

[Donald B.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

If it is NEW, isn't covered by some type of warranty. Seems strange that this new battery doesn't have the amps.

Another possibility? - is there "fake" tops available for C3s that can be placed on top of a modern battery? I did that for my '62 - $50 for a new battery and $25 for the "fake" tar top - the judging hit is minor. The extra $200 isn't worth the few points that are lost in judging IMO.

[Dick W.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

You will not gain anything by changing the acid. You will actually do damage to the battery.

I have seen tops some of the Delco's . I do not know who sells them or what various #'s that are available.

[Rick S.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Don,
Interesting comment about the fake battery top for judging. I have a new Delco battery in my 67 and have a "correct looking" fake battery top and have been giving strong consideration of taking the fake top off for upcoming judging in the spring. My thoughts were that I would lose more points for having it on, even though I know I am not going to fool any judge. It is not my intent to fool a judge but I just like the look of an original battery but I like all the better qualities of the new sealed battery. Do you know the point loss for the fake battery topper?
Rick

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Don,
It is new.
The problem was that I bought it and becasue the car was in the paint shop I did not install it immediately and by the time I did the warranty was over.
It wasn't much of a warranty anyway. It was a restoration battery and I have since heard from many that they are not worth buying. Now I can attest to that fact as well.
Sure looks pretty with the correct caps , rubber hoses, and date code.
Maybe my wife will let me put it in the living room????
Kurt

[William C.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

A couple of questions, when the battery was new, was it Dry, or filled with electrolite? How are you charging it? (Type/amperage of charger etc.)

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Kurt,

Try using a Battery MINDer , especially if you know someone who uses one and can borrow it. I've had several Champion batteries and now an Duralast from Auto Zone live short lives in Dad's 72 because it is not driven much. By using the Battery MINDer I've rejuvenated the last one.

Also, I'd check all of your grounding locations, both at the right front of the motor (on motor and on frame) and at the frame below the battery. When your car was built originally it did not have a super-duper heavy battery with 900 amps. It had a plain one with 500 amps on a good day. If you do not have really, really good grounding you will increase the resistance and make it harder to start. My 72 starts fine with a repro battery, no matter what the temp, so I'd suggest that you may need to clean a little paint from under one of the grounding locations to make your repro work. The new Delco just has enough spare amps to overcome the higher resistance.

At least, that's my thought.

Patrick

http://www.vdcelectronics.com/batteryminder_12117.htm

http://www.batterymart.com/batteryminder.php

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Thanks Patrick,
I have been using Battery Tenders or Battery Minders on all my cars for the last 10 or more years since I purchased two Mercedes Benz batteries in one year because the car was only occasionally driven. Learned that lesson the hard way. No problems since, all the cars start like new (except the Corvette when warm).
I have checked and cleaned all the grounds many times, every thing is new and clean. I went through every type of scenario earlier this year when this wonderful repro battery crapped out. Replaced everything, new wires, new ground straps, cleaned everything, checked everything and then checked it all again; it just comes down to the fact that the battery is garbage.
I will put it back on a battery tender from now until I have the car judged in the spring and maybe I will get lucky. I have several battery tenders around since I am now a firm believer in their value.
Kurt

[William C.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

One other thing to try with a recalcitrant battery is to use a heavy duty charger set on a high amperage to reach full charge (the old "fast charge") some modern batteries will develop a resistance to absorbing a full charge in kept on a low level charger for an extended time, I don't know if that is your problem, but worth a try, especially if the battery sat without being used for a long time.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Kurt,

Sounds good. I think you're doing the right things.

What amps did they detect in your repro battery?

FYI, the people at Restoration Battery are quite good about honoring the warranty, even if time has gone by. If you need to, you can always check with them. Unfortunately the battery is a large point item, so it's hard to say "no" to the repro. The new repros are gel no-maintenance batteries, and mine has worked very well so far. It's also about 1/3 the weight of the lead acid repro.

Patrick

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Bill,
When I purchased it was dry and I had to buy and add the acid. I then followe d the instructions that came with it and charged it with my battery charger for the specified time.
Kurt

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Patrick,
When all this happened with the battery, I was on the phone with the gentleman at Repro Battery and he was the one who told me to hav eit tested at a local auto parts store whihc I did. We then spoke again (same day) and it was determined that the battery was cranking just a little over half power, I forget the exact numerical reading right now. He then told me that I could return it to AC Delco (not to him although it was he who received my money) for a partial refund but pointed out that what they would give me vs. the freight to send it back might negate each other.
So I kept it and here I am with a very authentic correctly dated bookend that cost me a little over $200.
Gotta love it,,,
Kurt

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Battery Question

Bill,
Interesting idea.
My charger is a 10 amp charger with a 50 amp "Boost" feature used to start dead cars.
Do you think I should leave it on "Boost" or will it blow up the battery?
I know the "boost" feature cuts out (via some sort of internal circuit breaker) after a minute or so and then resets itself.
I'm open to suggestions, just don't want an exploding battery.
What do you think?
Kurt