Battery question

[pereirac]

I know a lot of Elan owners have been using 'exotic' batteries in their cars. I still run a dynamo system (as it's nice and simple) and just wondered if this would work with modern hi-tech batteries of it I should just stick with the good old lead acid battery?

Any thought or battery recommendations very welcome.

Thanks

Carl

[1964 S1]

Hi Carl,
What type of hi-tech or 'exotic' battery are you referring to?
If you're trying to save weight, I've learned that lawn tractor batteries are adequate for Elans. They are the ancient lead acid type but small.
Eric

[pereirac]

Hi Eric,
I was thinking more of some of the new calcium and Odyssey (AGM) type batteries. I am not too worried about saving weight although a little more space in the boot would be nice

Carl

[RichardS]

Carl

I've used an Odyssey PC680 battery which is recommended in previous posts. It was difficult to get the old type battery [137 I seem to remember] and the couple I did get from a local motor shop both leaked when I charged them! I have changed to an alternator but haven't actually had the car running yet. So far I have kept the Odysssey trickle charged to turn the engine over and check the electrics.

I believe these dry cell batteries don't like losing their charge so wonder if the dynamo would keep them adaquately "topped up".

Richard

[Lincoln62]

I recently bought a smart trickle charger for my Elan with the intent of keeping the battery topped up during periods of inactivity. It has a charge and maintenance cycle. You need one that has circuitry to monitor the condition of the battery and top it up when needed rather than most trickle chargers that just keep on charging.

I heard stories of car owners in the USA who get 8-10 years out of a battery when they use these gadgets. I normally get about 2-3 years.

I'll let you know in 8 years time if it worked.

Pete
66S2