Starter batteries for MC9

[Devin & Amy]

Hi all,

This is for those of you who have moved your starter batteries to the pass. side engine bay.
Have you reduced the size of your batteries from 8D to group 31 size?
I have removed the OTR A/C system so I don't have the draw that I normally would.
I would like to reduce the size for space saving sake.
I think Jack C. did put in smaller ones but I can't remember.
Thanks for your input.
Devin

[TomC]

The batteries on my transit are in the middle of the bus on the left side.  I changed from the two 8D to two 950cca size 31's and have had no starting problems (8V-71).  If the starting batteries go dead, like they have done, I can just throw a switch to tie the starting and the deep cycle batteries together.  I have started the bus on dead starting batteries with the deep cycles only.  Nice to have a back up system.  Yours should be alright in the engine compartment.  Good Luck, TomC

[Kristinsgrandpa]

I just (last week) changed from 8 D's to group 31's.  Mine are 925 Amp because that is what NAPA carries.

I looked in the new Walmart Super Center and they didn't have any group 31's and didn't know if they could order them. Apparently they don't stock them anymore, the old store didn't stock them either.

My coach has a 6V92 TA and they spin it very well.

Ed

[jjrbus]

On my 79 MCI5C, with a 6V71 auto. I moved and changed the starting batterys to group 31 batterys with no problem. With very little modification I was able to use the A/C compressor frame to hold the batterys.
Do NOT start cutting the old battery cable, You may want to use it to cross tie the house and start batterys.

[Dreamscape]

Didn't move the batteries, but I changed to group 31's and they work great. Have had them for 6 months and no problems whatsoever. Bought mine from Interstate Batteries.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[DJohnson]

I didn't move mine but switched to 31's about 5 years ago and have not had any problems.  My coldest starts have been about 20 degrees and I use a block heater.  I think that those anticipating use in colder weather might be better staying with the 8 D's.

Dennis

[Hi yo silver]

HA! Another Dennis!  Can't have too many Dennises, right?  Welcome to the board.  You'll find lots of interesting info here.
Dennis in VA

[TomC]

Personally-since the 8D's are such a bear to move around unless you have two people handling the batteries, if you live in cold weather, I'd just run more batteries.  3 if you have a 12 volt bus and 4 if you have a 24 volt bus.  At Freightliner when we order a sleeper, you automatically get four batteries.  Good Luck, TomC

[DrivingMissLazy]

Tom is right on again, as usual. I used three group 31's on my 8V92 and no problem starting in cold weather down to the high teens. I usually had the Webasto on at those temperatures though. I do not think anyone should consider cold weather starting without some type of block heater.
Richard

Personally-since the 8D's are such a bear to move around unless you have two people handling the batteries, if you live in cold weather, I'd just run more batteries.  3 if you have a 12 volt bus and 4 if you have a 24 volt bus.  At Freightliner when we order a sleeper, you automatically get four batteries.  Good Luck, TomC

[Don4107]

I have a little IH day cab with a Cummings 350BC that had 4 run of the mill group 31s in it when I bought it.  It gets used very little, only to move the boat.  Over the years as the batteries went south, mostly from non use, I removed them one at a time.  When I got down to only one that was at least 5 years old it still started it as long as it was warm.  When the last one died I used an Optima and it spins it really well.  I think a couple Optimas will be in my future for starting batteries in the bus.