8D start battery decision...

[bevans6]

When I got home from my December trip I forgot to throw the disconnect switch and forgot to throw the switch that puts the dash radio on standby.  After a month of that, both batteries were down around .05 volts (yeah, .05...)  I woke them up with a transformer style charger, charged them for three weeks with pretty decent 3 stage computer controlled chargers, and at the end of the day they both recovered to full charge.  They lasted on full charge for about 8 weeks before I installed them.  They were starting the bus OK, then they were barely starting it, and wouldn't take a charge.  So I dragged them out and off to the big battery distributor up here, Great Northern Battery.  They did a load test and said they passed with flying colours!  They also made me feel quite the fool, they said the only problem was corrosion on the posts...  2 minutes with a post wire brush and bright metal on the posts and they promise me they will be fine for a few more years (they are 4 years old).

So rather than spending $420 for a pair of new batteries I am taking the advice and putting them back in, along with very clean clamps and posts!  I sure hope they were right!  Oddly they said they recommend not using dielectric grease, just cleaning the terminals when they need it.

Brian

[grantgoold]

Good call! I found three new 8ds on CR. They had been sitting in a shed for 2 years. Cleaned them up and gave them a strong charge! All cells tested great and keep the Vanner connected while sitting. 6 months no problems and starts like a race car! One crank and off to the races.

I was quoted $525.00 for two from NAPA. Picked my three up for $75.00.


Grant

[brando4905]

I just bought one 8D at Napa for $149.

[luvrbus]

A good Calcium constructed sealed 8D with 1450 CCA and 450 minutes reserve will cost around 250 each but they will last 8 to 10 years you can buy regular 8D's at Sam's or Costco for 129.00 dollars there is a big difference in 8D batteries depending on price and construction. Cheaper ones have a 1 year warranty and the better ones 5 to 7 year warranty

good luck

[Jerry32]

I went to a local battery place to get my *D's and the had two government trade ins for 50 bucks each. Ge=ov has to trade after two years so they workd like new after cleaning the dirt off. I find using a little baking soda sprinkled around keeps the corosion down as we used in aircraft. Jerry