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'78 MGB Battery

Roger Searle
 

All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

John Edgar <edgar.johnm@...>
 

I have a 2 year old group 26 in a 78B. During winter I put it on a 2 amp charge every 5 or 6 weeks and have no issues. Even after 6 weeks of just the clock and radio there is still enough to turn the motor. 

That said, my experience is that no group 26 has lasted more than 4 years in my B.  Perhaps it is time to replace your battery.  

John Edgar

On Feb 27, 2018, at 9:22 AM, searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

James Schulte <schultejim@...>
 

Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]"
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: philly_mg_club@...
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 

All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

Dave Carpenter <slowstdy@...>
 

Get a Battery Tender, I have one on all my cars. Charges and draws current, will draw current what temp drops to keep battery from freezing. You can get some that will do the job for as little as $20. Max is about $60. I build them into the car so I just have to plug them into an extension cord.
Cheers
Dave


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:14 AM, James Schulte schultejim@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]" <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 

All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

Steve Harding
 

Agree with Dave, Battery Tender. 
Steve H. 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:18 AM, Dave Carpenter slowstdy@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Get a Battery Tender, I have one on all my cars. Charges and draws current, will draw current what temp drops to keep battery from freezing. You can get some that will do the job for as little as $20. Max is about $60. I build them into the car so I just have to plug them into an extension cord.

Cheers
Dave


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:14 AM, James Schulte schultejim@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]" <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 

All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

Bernie Hall
 


I used a Battery Tender on my '80 MGB throughout winter storage . It kept it charged up and will not overcharge the battery. Best thing you can do for your battery.

Bernie


From: Philly_MG_Club@... on behalf of Steve Harding mgbgt1@... [Philly_MG_Club]
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 10:22 AM
To: Philly_MG_Club@...
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery
 
 

Agree with Dave, Battery Tender. 

Steve H. 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:18 AM, Dave Carpenter slowstdy@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Get a Battery Tender, I have one on all my cars. Charges and draws current, will draw current what temp drops to keep battery from freezing. You can get some that will do the job for as little as $20. Max is about $60. I build them into the car so I just have to plug them into an extension cord.

Cheers
Dave


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:14 AM, James Schulte schultejim@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]" <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 

All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

James Wines <jpwinesplumbing@...>
 

I found one by black and decker, that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Very convenient and works great. Forgot what I paid for it, I think it was around sixty bucks, and I’ve had it for about five years. 




On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, 10:33 AM, 'B. Hall' behall5@... [Philly_MG_Club] wrote:

 


I used a Battery Tender on my '80 MGB throughout winter storage . It kept it charged up and will not overcharge the battery. Best thing you can do for your battery.

Bernie


From: Philly_MG_Club@... on behalf of Steve Harding mgbgt1@... [Philly_MG_Club]
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 10:22 AM
To: Philly_MG_Club@...
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery
 
 

Agree with Dave, Battery Tender. 

Steve H. 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:18 AM, Dave Carpenter slowstdy@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Get a Battery Tender, I have one on all my cars. Charges and draws current, will draw current what temp drops to keep battery from freezing. You can get some that will do the job for as little as $20. Max is about $60. I build them into the car so I just have to plug them into an extension cord.

Cheers
Dave


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:14 AM, James Schulte schultejim@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]" <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 

All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

Roger Searle
 

Thanks all.


-----Original Message-----
From: James Wines jpwinesplumbing@... [Philly_MG_Club]
To: Philly_MG_Club <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Sent: Tue, Feb 27, 2018 11:08 am
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 
I found one by black and decker, that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Very convenient and works great. Forgot what I paid for it, I think it was around sixty bucks, and I’ve had it for about five years. 




On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, 10:33 AM, 'B. Hall' behall5@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:
 

I used a Battery Tender on my '80 MGB throughout winter storage . It kept it charged up and will not overcharge the battery. Best thing you can do for your battery.

Bernie


From: Philly_MG_Club@... <Philly_MG_Club@...> on behalf of Steve Harding mgbgt1@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 10:22 AM
To: Philly_MG_Club@...
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery
 
 
Agree with Dave, Battery Tender. 
Steve H. 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:18 AM, Dave Carpenter slowstdy@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 
Get a Battery Tender, I have one on all my cars. Charges and draws current, will draw current what temp drops to keep battery from freezing. You can get some that will do the job for as little as $20. Max is about $60. I build them into the car so I just have to plug them into an extension cord.
Cheers
Dave


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:14 AM, James Schulte schultejim@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 
Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]" <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 
All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

Ira Spector
 

I would recommend getting an AGM battery, the biggest that will fit the tray. I got mine at Advance Auto Parts for about $180. They last longer and won’t strand you, even if your alternator dies (it happened). I also use a shutoff switch.  Resetting your radio presets is easier than recharging your battery.  I second all the comments about battery tenders.

Ira
1977 MGB
On Feb 27, 2018, at 1:58 PM, searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

Thanks all.


-----Original Message-----
From: James Wines jpwinesplumbing@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...>
To: Philly_MG_Club <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Sent: Tue, Feb 27, 2018 11:08 am
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 
I found one by black and decker, that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Very convenient and works great. Forgot what I paid for it, I think it was around sixty bucks, and I’ve had it for about five years. 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, 10:33 AM, 'B. Hall' behall5@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:
 

I used a Battery Tender on my '80 MGB throughout winter storage . It kept it charged up and will not overcharge the battery. Best thing you can do for your battery.

Bernie


From: Philly_MG_Club@... <Philly_MG_Club@...> on behalf of Steve Harding mgbgt1@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 10:22 AM
To: Philly_MG_Club@...
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery
 
 
Agree with Dave, Battery Tender. 
Steve H. 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:18 AM, Dave Carpenter slowstdy@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 
Get a Battery Tender, I have one on all my cars. Charges and draws current, will draw current what temp drops to keep battery from freezing.. You can get some that will do the job for as little as $20. Max is about $60. I build them into the car so I just have to plug them into an extension cord.
Cheers
Dave


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:14 AM, James Schulte schultejim@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 
Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]" <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 
All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

Roger Searle
 

Thanks Ira.


-----Original Message-----
From: Ira Spector spectors4@... [Philly_MG_Club]
To: Philly_MG_Club
Sent: Tue, Feb 27, 2018 3:01 pm
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 
I would recommend getting an AGM battery, the biggest that will fit the tray. I got mine at Advance Auto Parts for about $180. They last longer and won’t strand you, even if your alternator dies (it happened). I also use a shutoff switch.  Resetting your radio presets is easier than recharging your battery.  I second all the comments about battery tenders.

Ira
1977 MGB
On Feb 27, 2018, at 1:58 PM, searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 
Thanks all.


-----Original Message-----
From: James Wines jpwinesplumbing@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...>
To: Philly_MG_Club <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Sent: Tue, Feb 27, 2018 11:08 am
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 
I found one by black and decker, that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Very convenient and works great. Forgot what I paid for it, I think it was around sixty bucks, and I’ve had it for about five years. 


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, 10:33 AM, 'B. Hall' behall5@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:
 

I used a Battery Tender on my '80 MGB throughout winter storage . It kept it charged up and will not overcharge the battery. Best thing you can do for your battery.

Bernie


From: Philly_MG_Club@... <Philly_MG_Club@...> on behalf of Steve Harding mgbgt1@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 10:22 AM
To: Philly_MG_Club@...
Subject: Re: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery
 
 
Agree with Dave, Battery Tender. 
Steve H. 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:18 AM, Dave Carpenter slowstdy@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 
Get a Battery Tender, I have one on all my cars. Charges and draws current, will draw current what temp drops to keep battery from freezing.. You can get some that will do the job for as little as $20. Max is about $60. I build them into the car so I just have to plug them into an extension cord.
Cheers
Dave


On Feb 27, 2018, at 10:14 AM, James Schulte schultejim@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 
Same thing happened to my GT with a 4 yr old battery. Forgot to put it on trickle charger. Battery next Fall for sure. Warm weather cranking should keep it strong enough with driving it while you look for a deal.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: "searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club]" <Philly_MG_Club@...>
Date: 2/27/18 9:22 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: [Philly_MG_Club] '78 MGB Battery

 
All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger

Rich Williamson <rjw@...>
 

Your solution is simple for not having your next battery drain.  

I have a clock and my iPod even charges until it is full.

This is what I use.  

Even if I haven’t started the car in some time (during the winter) and have to crank it over quite a bit, there is always enough juice to get it going.


I use this one: 

Even the junior model would work on this.

Install the quick disconnect, it makes life easier.


I heard yah leaving a battery on concrete will drain the battery… i am pretty sure it is an old wife’s tale, but perhaps not.

Rich

On Feb 27, 2018, at 9:22 AM, searlerb@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:


All,

Does anyone have a recommendation for a new battery for my 1978 B?

My old battery is about 4 years old. I had to recharge it this winter after letting it sit for a couple weeks.  Previously it would hold it charge for several winter weeks and start the car without a problem.

I don't have a battery disconnect switch and the with clock and radio memory draws something like 30 milliamps just sitting.

Thanks,

Roger


______
Rich Williamson


HOME COMPUTER e-mail address that is not checked that often.







Rich Williamson <rjw@...>
 


Note:  I leave the passenger seat forward and the passenger door open, so I don’t accidentally drive away with it attached.

The quick disconnect easily hides under the carpet and you don’t have to take the battery lid off every time you go somewhere.

Rich



______
Rich Williamson


HOME COMPUTER e-mail address that is not checked that often.







Dave Carpenter <slowstdy@...>
 

A battery will discharge all on its own sat on any surface, it has an internal resistance, remember as voltage drops (battery discharging) current increases (battery discharges quicker) voltages drops more current increases more. Etc, there is a heat factor as well (thermal runaway). A battery used regularly will last longer than a battery not used at all. 
Cheers
Dave 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 7:41 PM, Rich Williamson rjw@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 


Note:  I leave the passenger seat forward and the passenger door open, so I don’t accidentally drive away with it attached.

The quick disconnect easily hides under the carpet and you don’t have to take the battery lid off every time you go somewhere.

Rich



______
Rich Williamson


HOME COMPUTER e-mail address that is not checked that often.







James Wines <jpwinesplumbing@...>
 

Also a discharged battery can freeze in the winter. I didn’t see a cigarette lighter adapter supplied with the “Battery Tender” that’s why I bought the black and decker trickle charger. No need to go in the battery box or have wires hanging out. 




On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 6:57 AM, Dave Carpenter slowstdy@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 

A battery will discharge all on its own sat on any surface, it has an internal resistance, remember as voltage drops (battery discharging) current increases (battery discharges quicker) voltages drops more current increases more. Etc, there is a heat factor as well (thermal runaway). A battery used regularly will last longer than a battery not used at all. 

Cheers
Dave 


On Feb 27, 2018, at 7:41 PM, Rich Williamson rjw@... [Philly_MG_Club] <Philly_MG_Club@...> wrote:

 


Note:  I leave the passenger seat forward and the passenger door open, so I don’t accidentally drive away with it attached.

The quick disconnect easily hides under the carpet and you don’t have to take the battery lid off every time you go somewhere.

Rich



______
Rich Williamson

rjw@...

HOME COMPUTER e-mail address that is not checked that often.







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