Author Topic: interstate battery  (Read 9170 times)

rmmchl

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interstate battery
« on: April 24, 2009, 03:03:42 »
it seems every 2 years my battery gets weak-  I only drive about 1000 miles a year-its garage kept-----------------i buy these because they sell an import with correct terminal location------------------any advice on another brand with plenty of cranking amps--------mine is an interstate 24-F
michael romeo           
1967  250sl
signal red

scoot

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2009, 06:57:28 »
I have whatever brand Autozone sells in a few of my cars, and every so often I return one for a new one.  Sometimes I have to pay a partial payment.  I don't pay much attention to brand, and don't know anything bad about interstate.  I'm sure you will find people on the forum who will be happy to be passionate about batteries however...    Another thing you might try if you don't drive your car for months at a time (which isn't a great idea in itself) is to disconnect the battery.
Scott Allen
'67 250 SL (early)
Altadena, California

Richard Madison

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2009, 10:11:10 »
They sell a small gadget with a green knob on top. Can be attached to a battery post then the battery cable is attached to the green gadget. Turning the green knob connects or disconnects the cable from the battery.

Take care that nothing sticks up to hit the hood when closed and know that the clock will stop. I used one of these green things on a '66 Mustang and found it quite handy.

There also might be some electrical leakage in your car or maybe the charging system is off. I have the same battery on the car for over two years, drive the car once every 6 weeks in Winter and every warm weather weekend and have never had a battery problem.

Richard M, NYC
1969 280 SL, Tunis Beige, Euro Model (Italy).

Garry

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2009, 11:06:31 »
Scoot

Here is a picture of what Richard was talking about

Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
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scoot

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2009, 14:44:11 »
I actually have one of those battery disconnects (on a couple of cars).  They are great for cars that don't get driven often and that might have slow electrical leaks.    Oddly enough, I don't have the problem with the Pagoda.  Other cars have been more like battery vampires than my 113...
Scott Allen
'67 250 SL (early)
Altadena, California

zoegrlh

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2009, 00:05:11 »
Where do you get these disconnectors with the green knob at?
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

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R172 2012 SLK350, Black Premium leather 801 on Mars Red 590, 7-speed auto
W211, 2007 E320 Bluetec, Cashmere MB Tex 144 on Arctic White 650, 7 speed auto

Louis

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2009, 00:29:32 »
Robert ,

Just for reference follow this link : http://www.streetsideauto.com/products.asp?ptid=4992&brand=BFNB&series=Battery%20Cable%20Disconnect%20Switch&partnumber=74103&Skip=True&LookupType=NON&Reset=True

That's the switch but if you shop around you may find it even cheaper. Good luck !!

thelews

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2009, 01:54:08 »
I saw it at my local big box hardware store for about $5.
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

J. Huber

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2009, 02:21:04 »
It seems like there just are not that many batteries to choose from. Of course, the MB battery looks by far the best -- can't speak for the quality. I have a Diehard which I have always sworn by -- but the poles are reversed. So I set it in back wards... fortunately my cables reach. The Interstate looks decent to me -- and I contemplated getting one next. I have heard some go with the Optima -- but I think they are too funky looking for my tastes...
James
63 230SL

Anfinn

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2009, 06:52:48 »
Regarding the battery disconnector.

I have the one in the picture, but there is a requirement here in Norway that you should be able to disconnect the battery without opening the bonnet.
Has anyone come across one that can be operated from inside the car, or perhaps from the grill area?

Peter van Es

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2009, 07:38:18 »
Thats' a FIA motorsports requirement also. Search the web for "FIA Battery Cut Off Switch". Typically red, and mounted through a hole in body somewhere, it allows rescue workers to switch off all electricity in a crashed race car.

Here's one for instance: http://www.driftworks.com/catalog/products/fia-approved-battery-cut-off-switch.html
Or this: http://www.dazecoop.co.uk/15-06-2006/wiring-battery-cut-off-switch

Peter

1970 280SL. System Admin of the site. Please do not mail or PM me questions on Pagoda's... I'm not likely to know the answer.  Please post on the forum instead!

Naj ✝︎

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #11 on: May 01, 2009, 07:48:45 »
Here's one on a rally prepared Pagoda

naj
68 280SL

Anfinn

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #12 on: May 01, 2009, 11:10:27 »
Thanks Peter and naj.

Yes, I have seen those fitted on some cars here, but only on (English) cars where the battery is located near the firewall.

I am reluctant to run the main battery cable from the front and up to the firewall and back again, but I expect the voltage drop will be acceptable.

I am trying to think of a good design to actuate such a switch fitted near the battery, using a bonnet release-type setup.

rmmchl

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #13 on: May 02, 2009, 00:09:04 »
i tested my battery at advance auto today---------------it tested weak and needs replaced-I oredered the new 800 cranking amp 24-f model from interstate--It fits the same as regular 24-f but it has a handle on it---That is really needed. The battery is heavy and hard to lift out-this handle will make it an easy project. The regular 24-f that i had only had 575 ca.this had 800 and has a 72 month warranty-that was probably the reason for my hard start---It wasn't cranking out power well enough
michael romeo           
1967  250sl
signal red

69280sl

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Re: interstate battery
« Reply #14 on: May 02, 2009, 00:19:59 »
Interesting Picture Naj. My 280sl had the same disconnect mounted in  the same location. I attributed this to it being a Florida car used only in the winter Wonder if there could be a rallying or racing background?

Why two coils?
Gus

68 280sl, signal red/ beige/black softtop. Car # 1084