Battery removal and installation

[jhpcat]

I just bought the white MB battery after waiting 7 weeks for it to arrive from Germany. Now the questions arise... This thing is a bear! How do you install it?  My old contained battery was easy to tip, turn ans twist in and out. If I do that now, acid will pour out the cap breathing holes. The radiator hose seems to be the biggest culprit. Is it customary to have to disconnect it to r & r a battery?  Second question. I need a correct cable and have heard that the original ones had fabric jackets. I am willing to have one custom made, but need the specs on the connectors, wire gage, length and sheathing. thanks for chiming in. I will be heading for Hilton Head for the Concours event in November and need to be ready to show!

[Cees Klumper]

The different non-MB batteries I have fit over the years were as you describe your old: bit cumbersome to fit and remove, but doable. I can't imagine having to remove hoses, radiator or otherwise (on my car as I recall it's more an oil cooler or power steering hose) to service the battery. Also it sounds like your new battery is not sealed but has those removable caps which is not helping. Perhaps ask the classic center for tips, although it sounds like there is only one way ...

[Pawel66]

Sorry for my ignorance: do they sell this type of battery with acid or dry?

[jhpcat]

Thanks Cees. Do have any info on what the original +battery cable looked like? I need an image if I am to have one made up...

[jhpcat]

Mine arrived at the MB dealer. Classic can no longer sell batteries becasue they cant ship them.  When I arrived at the dealer, everyone wanted to know the guy who ordered a battery from Germany cuz it arrived on its own pallet and a custom made wooden box as if it were nuclear waste. It had the acid in it.

[rjmarco]

I had the exact same experience with my Mercedes dealer.  The battery came from Germany after several weeks of waiting and it was very well and securely packaged.  I gave it to my mechanic and I can't recall him talking about any difficulty with installing the new battery.  I kept the original shipping package which I used to return the old battery to the dealership for a credit. 

[jhpcat]

I hope you are right. i jsut want to know how, tho...

[TJMart]

I just replaced my battery about 2 months ago with the white MB battery. Remove the top of the battery bracket if you have the original. I removed the oil cooler hose that goes into the oil cooler because it is directly above the battery. Some residual oil will come out so have a rag handy. Pull the hose out of the way and tie it back. I used my battery carrier that I purchased from Amazon (auto parts stores also sell them). The carrier will keep the battery upright and you can just lower it into the battery holder base. Good luck!

[jhpcat]

Thanks TJ!  Which one did you buy, assuming you love it?

[TJMart]

Here is the one I bought. It works well and built to carry a heavy battery.

https://www.amazon.com/FJC-46173-Adjustable-Battery-Carrier/dp/B008QEZ7E6/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=battery+carrier&qid=1569956485&sr=8-5

Oh buy the way, I'll be at Hilton Head so hopefully I'll see you and your car there!

Tony

[jhpcat]

Little anxious about that, Tony. They invited me to show it in the Concours judging, so I'll be easy to find.  Took me 15 years to finish it.  No man should have to take that long! I look forward to meeting you!

[jhpcat]

That device is a game changer!  Everybody ought to have one of these battery carriers if they own a Pagoda.  Thanks Tony!!

[specracer]

My battery carrier suggested above literally arrived today. When I installed a temp battery in the car, I was worried about getting it out. This should make things much easier.

[mrfatboy]

Thanks Cees. Do have any info on what the original +battery cable looked like? I need an image if I am to have one made up...

I'll jump in here.  Here is a picture of my original positiive + battery cable. The negative cable is the current one you can buy from MB.

[jhpcat]

Thanks MFB.  I needed that image!  Now that I know you have a 69 as do I, do you mind posting a picture of the Exterior Alternator Regulator on the pass side of the car?  I just realized that the one I thought was original was certainly NOT.  i want to know what original looks like.  I went ahead and purchased a Bosch unit MB NR:  A0021547406  or Bosch NR:  0192062007. I sure hope that is correct.  Ive gotta get this right!  Thanks a million for piping up! 

[mrfatboy]

Here is a pic of my original voltage regulator.   It died last year. I polished the cover and put it on the new electronic version ( your part number).

Nice original outside with modern inside👍👍😀

[jhpcat]

You dog!   Thats amazing!  It came out sooo nice!  What is the original part nr (bosch or mb nr works for me)?  are there any markings on the old one?  (i'm going to make every effort to do the same on my car.  SWEEEET!

[mrfatboy]

Zoom in on the photo.  It only has the Bosch logo on top.  No lettering.

I bought this one and swapped out cover. 👍

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/90160320602

[jhpcat]

Now I understand.  Ok... so is the yellow tape correct?  My unit reads "BOSCH" on the top and it has white tape. BUt its not original. the number is MB and a superseded match, but maybe they went from Yellow to White.  W do you think?

[mrfatboy]

I'm sure the MB gurus will chime in but i have been told that Bosch had several replacement parts (styles) over the years.

I just saw one that had a Bosch logo with the word "Bosch" and "Made in Spain" embossed on top.

[mrfatboy]

Here is what I believe an early replacement of the voltage regulator.  The pic is from my friends 250 SL.