Ok, batteries!

So my car is taking longer to crank over now the cold weather is here. I do have an AEM FIC installed so wonder if that is not helping things if it's anything like the AEM ECU.

When the weather is cold, it cranks over slower. I've checked the battery voltages using a multimeter. It's about 12.5v when nothing is on. Downto about 11.5v when cranking the engine over and goes up to about 14.4v once the engine is running. I've also had the battery tested and it's fine. There's only a 0.04v drain when the car is not in use which I would assume is the alarm.

It is a Pb lead battery made by FB. I think the model is 'Hi-Dash'. Printed on the top is 55B24L(S)-MF.

Has anybody heard of FB? It was installed about 6 months ago just before I bought the car. Is there a heavy duty battey you can get for the S?

I've just got back in from removing the terminal plugs and sanding them, as well as the terminals.

Any help is appriciated!

Thanks,

Nick.

 

Should need a heavy duty, Nick. You do have a little extra load on the starter to turn the SC, but should be fine.

Things will be tighter in the winter, and thus a bit harder to turn over.

Unless it's really bad?

 

Slower cranking may just be thicker oil etc - cold parts are stiffer and take more effort to turn?

You can fit things like Optima yellow top but not sure of the exact size required - I may consider upgrading my standard battery to one due to the amplifiers I run.

 

It has been fine today. Yesterday though was a little worrying with the sub-arctic temperatures we had up here!

I'm wondering if my battery is a cheap one with a low AH value and low start up amps. I can't seem to find any information on FB batteries though!

UncleFester - Optima are the well regarded but they are very expensive!

 

Stupid question, but you do throw the clutch before cranking?

Tranny oil's a drag in the cold weather. I bet that sticky stuff Rotrex use is, too!

 

Very good point! I've also got a Toda clutch which is very sticky and very heavy! Might try that tomorrow morning! Thanks!

UncleFester - Missed the oil bit. It's in at Honda on Friday for a service and MOT. What oil should I ask for? I looked in the FAQ but it only mentions running in oil.

Thanks guys

 

Good quality 5w-40, the 5w will be loser at low tempretures, a lot of us use Castrol Edge turbo diesel 5w-40, don't be put off by the diesel bit even if the Honda guys raise an eyebrow, they should know to put in 5w-40 but don't count on it, question them. And always dip the clutch when starting that will give you more years from the battery. Most garages have a load check device to test the battery, ask them to check it for you.