Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: mdsalemi on May 22, 2015, 16:24:14
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Hi--
Well I think it is about time to change the battery this summer...
I know we need a suffix -R (reverse polarity) battery, but for the Optima, is it the Group 34-R? I've heard that's the one, but I've also heard H6 (group 48)
Not locked to Optima, but will want a new battery.
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Michael,
Group 34R is closest in dimensions to the original.
I have had a red Optima for 8 years now in the 230SL and it is still going strong - but of course the warmer climate helps.
For the 280SL I decided on a Sears AGM: Sears AMG (http://www.sears.com/diehard-advanced-gold-agm-battery-group-size-34r/p-02850733000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3) because of the rectangular and less colorful appearance. You might want to wait until Sears has a sale or coupons; I paid $127 (+ tax) for it.
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Thanks Alfred...
Sears is quite local, and they do have sales. I see more than one AGM style battery in their offerings. I'll go up there next sale. :)
Question: do YOU have the factory issue battery hold down on either or both of your cars with those non-original (but better) batteries?
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On the 230SL I have a different top frame because of a high-Amp shut off switch. See: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=8627.msg56216#msg56216
AFAIK the Optima no longer comes with a height adjuster, you need to buy separately if you want one.
On the 280SL with the Sears it is the original hold down frame w/o modification.
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I'm a fan of Optima but I put a Sears AGM in the Cabrio last year. The only vehicle I still have a Lead-acid battery in is the work van. If the Sears fits, it would be a tad less expensive, probably just as good and the red color of the Optima would clash with that gorgeous red of your car.
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Well, time got the better of me. When I retrieved my car a couple of weeks ago from its winter storage, I followed normal protocol: put the battery on charge overnight. That morning I was to leave, while the car started and all, the starter turned WAY too slow. That told me a new battery was in my future.
Imagine my surprise yesterday, when I was going to take the car out for a lunch meeting. When I turned the key, the fuel pump sound was missing. Sure, lights were on, but no sounds. I turned the key to start and nothing.
On the way home from lunch, stopped at Sears and bought the 34R DieHard Gold AGM. Put it in last night. Wow--my starter has NEVER turned so fast. Cleaning up the mess left behind from battery acid was the biggest problem. Last time I had the battery out, I had removed the tray and had it powder coated. Thankful that it held up from the acid spills.
Not 100% pleased with the fit of the factory battery hold down--I need to add a bit of rigid plastic strips to the edges of the battery to increase its size to allow the hold down to work a bit better. But, that's simple. I have not measured yet but I think I need to bulk up the battery by about .25" in dimensions. This model came with a tray to increase the height by 1" or so; it came on top but snaps on to the bottom.
My lunch meeting was with a friend with a Snap-On dealership; he sold me his most popular one-man brake bleeding kit. That's a project for later this summer.
While I wished I could have waited for a sale, time was not on my side...