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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Battery size

What's the correct standard battery size for a MK1 Sprite? Or better, what code do I look for?

I bought a more powerful specification battery on the MKIV car that only just fits in but has a better capacity. But for the MK1 Frog I just want a standard spec one and never did understand how the 3 digit coding system that is used works.
I will probably get it from Tayna Batteries as their prices are generally very good, so I will be able to check physical dimensions and correct posts etc. before placing the order.
GuyW

Guy

I'll double check my car tomorrow, but if I remember correctly it is an 038 - this has the terminals that suit positive earth (terminals closer to the bulkhead).

I bought a Yuasa's 038 battery - a Yuasa YBX1038, dimensions here: https://www.yuasa.co.uk/batteries/automotive/ybx1000-caca-batteries/ybx1038.html

Shop around - can get a Yuasa cheaper than that. I am very pleased with mine that I bought earlier this year.

Apparently the 038 is commonly used in garden tractors!

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Thanks Mike, that's very helpful.
GuyW

Guy

You are welcome.

Are you in Gloucestershire, if so Groves Batteries might be a useful stockist:

https://www.grovesbatteries.co.uk/Car-Battery/Groves-Yuasa-YBX1038-(038).aspx

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Guy,
don't just go on numbers, dimensions are overall so actual body sizes vary and there are three different standards of measurement, whoops, four different, for CCA and in real life use some can reach the standard more often and longer than others.

But as I know you don't like complications on other than engineering and mechanical matters - a good battery will be a good battery, unless you're fitting alarm/immobiliser and/or lots of other gadgets you don't need much and should be able to leave the battery just sitting for months (but not a great idea) and still expect to start at first turn of key.

My neighbour got a very good price on a battery by ringing round locally but I've no idea about the battery only that it was a "good make" and "very good price".
Nigel Atkins

Agreed Nigel, but I WAS only asking what the standard OEM battery was. I am not out for biggest or best that can be fitted, just what was the original standard. 038 seems to be the answer with different manufacturers offerings all being within a very few mm the same dimension and 35 /36ah and around 320 to 330 cold cranking amps.

Incidentally, and by comparison, for the other car which has the same size of battery shelf, I went for the highest power I could fit using a lead/acid type and that has a 45ah /480 CCA battery.
GuyW

Ah, yes Guy but which measuring specification was used for the 480(!?) figure. :)

480(?), you really are in the frozen north! :)
Nigel Atkins

Guy

I have always used the S3 017 battery. Its 45AH as per original spec and copes better with a dynamo. Its a Bosch and I got it from Tanya batteries. Its now 7 years old and still going strong!! Personally I found the 38AH was a bit marginal with a C39 dynamo if all the electics were on (I also have an electric fuel pump.)
Bob Beaumont

As you WAS only asking what the standard OEM battery was Bob was wrong to give you his advice, will this suffice as an admonishment to him. :)

As you know from your copy of the good book original battery was "43 amp. hrs at 20 hr. rate" - so sometimes unsolicited additional information can help you even when you think you only need, or want, quick, short, precise answers only.

Go to the back of the room, and think on. ;) 😊

Nigel Atkins

I usually go to Halfords as they have them on the shelf and you can measure up and compare the sizes/terminal locations. You can then either get the Halfords one or use the number to shop around on the net. I got theirs as it was a decent price with my trade card and just plain black once the stickers are removed!
John Payne

Tayna quote an 063 for the Sprite.

Trev
T Mason

Trev,
The poles are reversed on the 063.

I use both Tanya and Battery Megastore - I've had good service from both.
richard b

Richard, yes I know but I think Guy has kept positive earth so relevant if so.

Trev
T Mason

I ordered from Tayna this time. I've bought from them and from Battery Megastore in the past. On one occasion I got the same as Halfords were offering, at slightly less than half the price and with an extra year on the guarantee. I looked for the S3 017 but it said the Bosh one was no longer available so have ordered an 049 which is the same size, slightly taller and with the same post layout.
GuyW

A tip for you Guy, (that you probably already know) check that the battery is fully charged when it arrives, and if not slow charge it.

I know I've put three digit battery codes up before, so in the Archives, but I wasn't sure how relevant they all might be for positive earth cars.
Nigel Atkins

I do check, but the Tayna ones all seem to come fully charged. I suspect with their turnover the batteries are probably a lot fresher then some other suppliers where they may have sat on the shelf for months! Always worth checking though!
GuyW

I was surprised but I did once have it happen, the battery wasn't low but not fully charged and I *think* (might have remembered wrong though) it was a Tayna supplied battery.

Especially when recommissioning or fault finding on a vehicle you want to start with a fully charged battery (possibly useful with timing lights too, but I wouldn't know).
Nigel Atkins

Precisely why I prised out my credit card to buy a new battery. Up to now I have been using a long-since replaced Honda Jazz battery of diminutive size and dubious condition. It worked well enough for checking things like lights and wiper circuits and would even start the car, but it wasn't the best.
GuyW

A word of warning about buying batteries online. If you have a warranty issue, you may have difficulty returning it, as most couriers will not take car/motorcycle batteries.
Dave O'Neill 2

Guy, Sounds OK. On a different tack I don't know which battery clamp you have but I found the Morris Minor one supplied by Ashley fitted better than the spridget one supplied by Moss!
Bob Beaumont

Yes, mine is an Ashley one.
GuyW

Guy

I checked, my battery is a Yuasa YBX1038. Redundant info as I realise you have paid your money and chosen another and it has arrived.

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

This thread was discussed between 11/09/2020 and 14/09/2020

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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