battery replacement

[Elv15]

Ok, so I killed my battery - overcharged it. I need to get a new battery. I have been using a UB12180, which is similar to an Odessey PC680, but 1/3 the cost. It worked, but I was always a bit suspicious about it's reliability.

Should I just get another UB12180 or is it worth the extra $$$ to get an Odessey?

[Elv15]

OH....and if I should get the Odessey, should I get the metal jacket version?

[Doug Liedblad]

Tom

I've had the same Odyssey PC535 for at least 6 years with no problems from it.

It was a bit low on capacity with the old Lucas starter, it would not start it when hot. (starter under the headers) but I am not sure that a larger battery would have helped.

Since I went to a gear reduction starter, no problems.

It has been mostly kept charged but sometimes abused. Still working OK.

Metal jacket version depends on where you plan on mounting it.

Thanks.

Doug

[Elv15]

Thanks Doug,

Do you keep yours on a battery tender? I may have some kind of phantom load or short, the old battery would not keep a charge (over a long period of time - ie: weeks) unless I had it on a tender. I'm going to install a master switch with the new battery to prevent this in the future. I'll also need to find that phantom load.

It will be mounted on top of the passenger footwell - so on the same side as the exhaust.

Cheers,

Tom

[Doug Liedblad]

THe battery charging instructions on the Odyssey website caution that the AGM batteries last longer if kept charged.

I keep mine on a trickle charger, not one from Odyssey but you should look at those. Strongly recommend reading their charging page as these batteries need a bit higher voltage.

If on top of the footwell I'd look also at the hold downs they sell under accessories.

Doug

[Michael Murphy]

Tom

I replaced my Odyssey PC680 last year wrongly thinking it was faulty but it wasn't. It's still sitting in my garage and I think it is okay. You can have it if you want to pick it up. No warranty. It does not have a metal jacket (I kept the original metal jacket in the car). If you buy new, get the PC680MJ -- the jacket doubles as a very secure mounting bracket - just screw onto the scuttle.

These batteries have been faultless for me. I use a trickle charger to keep them fresh.

[Elv15]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your kind offer! I'd love to try it out. I'll call you to sort out a time to get together.

Cheers,

Tom

[slomove]

If you have a parasitic load like an immobilizer stealing a few milliamps all the time you need that trickler. If you cut off the battery completely and move the car at least every month I don't think it is necessary. At least I don't do that for the last 6 years and have no problems.

I had my old PC625 (that I replaced thinking it was bad but is was not) installed in the trailer and did not charge it for over 8 months. It still had almost full charge.

Gert

[Sean]

Tom,

My PC625 was delivered in December of 2007, and installed and used for the first time yesterday. I was sure it would be at least half-dead, but it cranked like new for quite a while to build oil pressure, then cranked a good four more tries after re-connecting the inertia switch before realizing I had also unplugged the coil/plug sub-loom from the engine loom :rolleyes: and then again to start the car. Cranked strong and sure, just like new, all the way through.

There is a nice little spec chart at the bottom of the page linked here (no affiliation, but I did buy mine from them):

http://www.gotbatteries.com/products/slabatteries/Odyssey.asp

[Doug Liedblad]

From what I read on Odysseys and perhaps all AGM batteries, if fully charged they hold the charge for a long time. It's when not fully charged that problems develop.

[moosetestbestanden]

I may have some kind of phantom load or short, the old battery would not keep a charge (over a long period of time - ie: weeks) unless I had it on a tender.

ISTR that the MBE ECU uses power all the time. When I was living in Canada the car was left unattended for months at a time. Upon return, if I left everything connected the battery would be dead, if disconnected over a similar time period the battery would be fine. I usually leave the battery (a pee wee Odyssey) disconnected these days. I'll give it an occasional blast from a very old Sears charger to top it up.

At Thunderhill some time back my alternator died. I could get enough juice for a session by charging the battery in the time between sessions. The Little Odyssey is all these little cars need IMO.

[Elv15]

Thanks Chris, I bet that is exactly what is happening. I suppose I could re-route the mbe wiring to be ignition switched, but it's easier to just install a battery master switch.

[Roll a 7]

Another thumbs up for Odyssey 680. When mine died after 1.5 years the warranty gave me a brand new version. My car also requires a battery kill switch, or the battery eventually depletes.