interstate battery

[rmmchl]

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

[scoot]

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.

[Richard Madison]

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

[Garry]

Scoot

Here is a picture of what Richard was talking about

[scoot]

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...

[zoegrlh]

Where do you get these disconnectors with the green knob at?

[Louis]

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]

I saw it at my local big box hardware store for about $5.

[J. Huber]

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...

[Anfinn]

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]

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

[Naj ✝︎]

Here's one on a rally prepared Pagoda

naj

[Anfinn]

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]

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

[69280sl]

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?