Battery

[Phil T]

I have had my 2000 for 10 years with the battery that the PO had, and I think it is getting to the point where I need a new one as the starting is getting sluggish.

The current one is a 063 which has a CCA of 380, but for my MGB I have a 075 which has a CCA of 550, although I'd need to juggle the connections as they are on the opposite side.

What battery do others on here use?

[johnnydog]

If your Triumph is prior to 1974, then a 096 or 096R is an ideal battery. The difference is the layout of the terminals depending which model / age of Triumph you have and the position of the earth terminal. Too bigger battery case and it sits too near the alternator.
If you have a post 1974, with the narrower battery tray, then you are more limited in battery choice due to the smaller case relative to the capacity.
On my 1976 S, I have a 057 battery. Quite a bit smaller in size and capacity than the 096, as you are limited for choice, but it does the job.

[johnnydog]

Further to the above, I'd consider fitting the biggest capacity / output relative to the space available and your budget.
Here's a link to a useful website 're the different types of batteries that are available and their dimensions / output etc.
https://www.puretyre.co.uk/car-battery- ... ion-chart/

[tony]

No matter which you choose I'd consider using a trickle charger unless you're using the car regularly .Batteries don't really like being being left partially flat.
Tony.

[Phil T]

The car is used every week, Sunday to collect the grandchildren and Monday for shopping.

Not long journeys, and at this time of year headlights etc. required.

I am not a fan of trickle chargers as I feel they hide battery/alternator issues.

[Mike Stevens]

Like John, I'd recommend a 096R (R being reversed terminals) in a pre face-lift Mk2. That's what I have in my PI and it usually has plenty of 'go' in it! It is also worth fitting a heavy-duty cable direct from the alternator body to the battery negative terminal. With the age of our vehicles, the effective resistance between the alternator, via the engine, body and earth cable to the battery can rise a bit if all the contact points are not perfectly clean, thus limiting the charging current.

While I understand the concerns about a 'trickle' charger, I have a number of 'smart' ones (all bought from Aldi when they were on offer!). These are normally connected to the Stag and PI batteries when in the garage (big garage!). This does mean that if the cars are left unused for a period, at least the batteries remain with sufficient charge to start the engine.

These smart chargers are quite good as they charge at a high-ish current while monitoring the terminal voltage and then switch to a low current when the voltage has risen to a pre-set value. For the (on-offer) cost, they're hard to beat!

Cheers,
Mike.

[Phil T]

Thanks chaps, it is a 1974 registered, I think it is pre facelift (if that is when the grills were changed).

I will have a measure up this afternoon to see the space, with the 063 the alternator is close to the battery........ but I see the 096 is the same width so shouldn't be an issue.

[Clifford Pope]

These smart chargers are quite good as they charge at a high-ish current while monitoring the terminal voltage and then switch to a low current when the voltage has risen to a pre-set value. For the (on-offer) cost, they're hard to beat!

I bought several of the cheap Aldi chargers after they were recommended on another old car forum. I'm only moderately convinced, however.

1) They wan't charge a battery if it has fallen in voltage below a certain level. It needs a proper charger to force some charge in first.

2) More seriously, I find they don't actually do what they are claimed, which is to keep the battery fully charged. I find on all three of mine that the bars that indicate how fully charged they are never actually reach full charge. They get to about 90%, but then no matter how long I leave it the charge drops to about 70 - 80 %.

Of course I realise that the indicator may only be just that, an indicator, rather than actual accurate measure, and it may well be "full enough". I find this to be especially true on one brand new battery. The battery works perfectly, but it is disappointing that the charger does not appear actually to be doing what it advertises, and is always said to be important, ie keeping the battery tip-top full all the time.

[wild bill]

I have three of these chargers, from Lidl, so in effect the same units! All bought at different times, all charging the Triumph, Minivan and one of the bikes with no issues at all.A definite good value for money item(s).

[johnnydog]

If a car battery has fallen to around 10 volts, ideally the car needs jump starting using a battery pack, and once the car has been run for a couple of minutes, the jump pack can be removed and the smart charger connected, which will then do its charging. Most better quality Smart chargers have a rejuvenating cycle designed to revive batteries that are very low in charge which helps de-sulpher the plates which is a main cause of killing a battery. As Tony says, this is ok on batteries that have gone flat very recently; if the battery has stood for any length of time in a fully discharged state, then no amount of charging will rejuvenate it.
Personally prefer Lidl tools etc to those at Aldi.
Lidl tools are made by Kompernass in Germany, and the majority of the ones I have bought are excellent relative to their cost. They honour the 3 year warranty too with no quibbles. Aldi sell 'Workzone' (which I personally think are cheap / poor quality) and another make that escapes me but I'm not convinced they are the same quality as Lidl tools.
Lidl were selling CTEK 5 smart chargers a couple of weeks ago at a good price. Ctek are considered to be up amongst the best when it comes to battery chargers (I have one, although a Ctek 7) which ideal for newer cars with AGM batteries. They are designed to be left on laid up vehicles indefinitely, just trickle charging when required. Garages use them on cars in their showrooms. My local Audi garage has Ctek's on cars on display with their led lights on (for effect ) which obviously needs a charging supply to the battery.