8D's...Keep them or not...

[Ross]

Has anyone replaced the 8D's with smaller batteries.  I have another dead cell this spring and I'm looking at $146 for a new 8D.  I can buy 2 smaller batteries for less than that.  Since all they do now is start the bus, do I need 8D's?  Will the 300A bus alternator cook the smaller batteries?

Just full of questions this morning......

Thanks...Ross

[Geoff]

You could use 4ea Grp 31's to replace 2ea Grp 8D's.  But then you would have to make up the cables to connect them all up.  Or you could go light and just use 2 Grp 31's and downgrade your cranking ability.  Are you also using these as your house batteries?, that would make a difference.

--Geoff

[ChuckMC8]

Ross, Do you have a engine block heater? It makes a difference in how much ummph your batteries expend......

[Ross]

I have a block heater....Well, a new block heater that I haven't gotten around to installing.  I dread the thought of draining the cooling system.  The batteries are only for starting.  My house bats are a separate bank of 4 deep cycles.  I've been thinking and I think I'll just replace the 8D.  I replaced one of them last summer.  I replace this one and I'll have the cranking capacity and two new batteries.

[jjrbus]

After reading this board for some time and looking at all the options/opinions ect. 5 years ago I swapped from 2 8D's to 2 group 31's (this is a MCI5C 6V71 auto)  I moved the batteries to the engine compartment, the old rack for the AC compressor with a little tinkering made a good holder.  I also added a selector switch, if the bus batts won't do it (that has not happened yet) I can add the house batteries. I am still useing the original batteries i bought for the swap with no problems. The old battery compartment made a perfect place for 2 30lb LP tanks.
                                                    Work/Play safely Jim