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MG MGA - Battery replacement (UK)

The two six-Volt batteries on my MGA have finally died, although I can still start the car with the crank.
I'm thinking of replacing with 12V. What are the opinions on this? Are there any problems running two in parallel?
Which ones fit the cradles?

thanks

dan
Dan Smithers

Dan

I run 2 x 12 volts in parallel. I have an isolator on each and normally have only one live at a time. I rotate the live battery every day or so. Occasionally (when it's very cold) I switch both on just to start, then isolate one as soon as the engine fires. Some members on this forum ask why I run 2 batteries. These are my comments:

1. If you have a spare battery in the garage it may as well be on the car where it can be of immediate use.

2. If you run both batteries permanently live, they become 'lazy' and this shortens their lives.

3. It's a costly exercise running 2 batteries but it's nice to know that your car will always start and, if the generator/alternator should fail, you have a good chance of getting home.

4. You may have to lengthen the cradles.

5. You will need to install 2 isolators. Mine are on the wooden panels, one behind each seat.
Steve Gyles

Steve,

Do you have a single pole isolator that leaves the chassis connected to the battery not in use? or one that fully isolates the battery from the car?

Does it matter which?

What is the rating (Amps) of the isolator?

thanks

dan
Dan Smithers

Dan

Mine are fairly basic isolaters that I have put in the +ve leads from the batteries (-ve earth car). I think I got them from Halfords.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I extended my cradle slightly and installed 1 X 12 volt battery. It is a 063, probably the most common battery in the UK. I can not agree with Steve, why on earth would a 12 volt battery not start the car. There are thousands of cars in the UK that rely simply on a single 12 volt battery. I used the other empty cradle to mount a tool box that I carry a selection of tools just incase of need:~)
Bob (robert) Midget Turbo

Bob

I was just answering the question and yes, I tend to agree with you. I only installed the second battery because it was there sitting idle after I gave up golf because of my back. I just thought I would put the electric trolley battery to use (it was an ordinary car battery). The cradle was there, the wiring was easy. It took about 2 hours to do all the wiring and connections and is totally reversible (new wooden back plates only required).

However, in many way it has made me a bit lazy. If the starter motor is a bit sluggish I just flick the second battery online and away I go. What it has also done is made me a bit complacement and I do not investigate the reasons for the sluggishness.

On the positive side it has made the car a very reliable everyday & night driver in all weather conditions. I am never one of those who phones into work to say I'll be late, the car won't start.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed on 07/01/2008

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