Author Topic: How to replace battery  (Read 2587 times)

daffern1

  • Full Member
  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, WA, Woodinville
  • Posts: 16
How to replace battery
« on: March 26, 2020, 02:46:16 »
I'd like to replace the battery in my 69 280SL but the hood and various hoses seem to interfere. I didn't expect it to be such a PIA! Does anyone have any advice? Is there a page in a manual that describes the process? TIA...

Cees Klumper

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Fallbrook
  • Posts: 5719
    • http://SL113.org
Re: How to replace battery
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2020, 03:03:19 »
It's hard but, at least on my '69, doable. Just takes maneuvering/tilting as you lift out/drop in. Dropping in is easier due to gravity!
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Pawel66

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Poland, Mazowieckie, Konstancin-Jeziorna
  • Posts: 5492
Re: How to replace battery
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2020, 07:18:13 »
You find the best route moving it a bit left or right on its floor, lean it a bit towards the engine bay and move it up and rearward, not straight up. May take a helper to make sure it clears the hoses while you lift it up with both hands.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

specracer

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, MA, Duxbury
  • Posts: 245
Re: How to replace battery
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2020, 11:31:18 »
Its doable (did it yesterday). Dont be bashful, to really bend the battery cables out of the way. Also if your old battery doesnt have an integrated strap or handle, something like this is handy, freeing your other hand to push things out of the way.

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-25316-Battery-Carrier/dp/B0014WDHYE/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=battery+handle&qid=1585222122&sr=8-3

Iconic

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, IL, Highland Park
  • Posts: 1203
  • ex-Membership Administrator
Re: How to replace battery
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2020, 14:30:28 »
Hey daffern1,
It's always a good idea to tell us which model/year you have since the answer to questions can vary based on which car you are talking about. Tip: you can list your car in your signature so it is in all your posts.
As far as the battery is concerned, I believe if you remove the upper hose of the oil cooler, then you have plenty of room to deal with the battery.
"Enjoy the ride".
Mark
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

daffern1

  • Full Member
  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, WA, Woodinville
  • Posts: 16
Re: How to replace battery
« Reply #5 on: March 27, 2020, 05:36:59 »
Thanks for the input everyone. I appreciate it.