online tyres/ batteries

Battery is "Relliable Batteries" MFN70ZZL
750CC6
160RC
N70ZZL $150
gold coastmounted normal 4.2 Patrol position. right hand front gaurd
battery not holding charge ,alternator fine
cost me $245 to replace with same type in Onslow


On the other side of Patrol had deep cycle Battery fitted late last year this is now bulging swelling due to motor heat I would say, the installer said it would handle it ,but it hasn't, is it dangerous, ie explode .
its a ZAP NPC 105 (12v 105ah) Cheers Bazz

Bazz,

I can't comment on your starting battery.
Just maybe something for you to check - what's the alternator charging voltage?
You can measure this voltage across the starting battery a few minutes after starting during fast idle.

And the bulging of your other battery usually means it's been murdered by incorrectly mounting it, and by excessive charging currents.
The installer/seller of this battery obviously belongs to the 99% crowd who's trying to make a quick buck by making wrong statements about the product.
No, it's not going to explode. Just take it to the recycling dump.

When installing another deep cycle battery as an aux, try to find a spot for it outside the bonnet.
And also ensure you get one which can stand the high charging current from the alternator.
For this, you can't go past AGM technology designed for stop/start car apps.

This battery combines the advantages of a spiral wound AGM battery, minus the complicated charging requirements, and minus the price tag.

cheers, Peter

thanx for the feedback,,
mechanic checked alternator voltage 14 .2 v,
battery is held in place by tjm tray,
the 2nd battery is wired in for van , still works ok and holds voltage , and is only bulged on the side facing the exhaust which is about 20 cm from exhaust heat shield also the deep cycle van batteries are fine, wouldn't they show sighns of over charging as well ie bulging as they are wired in to be charged whilst driving,
just out of interest could you describe incorrect mounting,
hindsight , battery should have been on tray. i'll keep AGM in mind thanx Barry

pleasure Barry,

let me tell you this: long distance driving in warm/hot environments at this high an alternator voltage is a killer for EVERY battery which is mounted under the bonnet.
But it's quite possible that the regulator inside the alternator reduces the voltage when it gets hot.
You can test this by connecting a multimeter through the ciga socket during cruising, and with a bit of luck the voltage will come down to 13.6~13.8V.

My apologies for not being clear enough about the 'mounting' of the aux.
It's all about positioning it away from any heat source under the bonnet, best to not mount it under the bonnet at all.

Your 2nd battery would have suffered some loss of capacity by now, but you only will notice this as soon as its full capacity is required. A load test would reveal how much residual capacity is left in it.
Battery voltage is no indication for capacity loss in this scenario, because a battery can be almost fully dry and still show good voltage.

The batteries in the van aren't subject to the heat under the bonnet, thus they won't suffer gradual dry out to the same extent.

To keep these batteries healthy, occasionally connect them to a quality multistage charger which has a setting for 14.8V.

cheers, Peter

thanx just checked 180$ each , now for the freight cost ( and fitting)

Bazz

You can fit them as you are a traveler! The freight was reasonable. I did mine and had them balanced locally for $10 each. Another quoted $25 each!

DW

Thanks for the follow up,i've never fitted tyres except on push/motor bikes, would be a good skill to learn i guess ,cost me 50$ to get the front 2 balanced here, cheers Barry