How do I get the battery out???

[johnshenry]

I have a Duralast (it didn't) battery in my '69 280.  One of the cells is leaking form the bottom.  I tried to fill it and it just poured out.  I moved the hood spring off its perch and as far against the fender edge as I could, but I still can't get the battery out.  It lifts up but hangs on the fenderwall and the upper oil cooler hose/connection.  Is there a trick to getting it out?  Maybe this one is not the correct width.  I though that before I break something I might ask here.

The upper hose to the oil cooler is not easily removed on this car either.  I tried to disconnect it when I did a water pump job earlier this year and couldn't get it to budge.  I was afraid that I would tear the fitting out of the cooler.

Tried tilting the battery a bit, no luck.  Any help greatly appreciated.  I don't like the idea of a leaking battery in my car!!!

[mdsalemi]

John,

On my 280, you absolutely have to remove that upper oil cooler hose...try some penetrating oil and gentle taps with a hammer--then maybe heat from a heat gun.

You will get it off.  When you put it back use anti-seize.

[Witt]

....can't help you with the removal, but do yourself a favour and put a Battery Mat under the battery before replacing it. I have one on all my cars it will prevent rusting of the battery tray......while you are at it I also recommend installing anti-corroding pads on the terminals, red for positive and green for negative. I used to install them for free on all my customer cars and of course all of mine. They really do work and are very inexpensive....
Just my five cents worth...

CHEERS !
WITT !

[graphic66]

You may want to really clean the area it leaked on. Baking soda and water will neutralize the acid. Get it really clean and flush it with lots of water. You could get some bad corrosion very quick if you don't get after it right away.

[waltklatt]

Hello John,
Thats quite a feat with the battery removal.  Not knowing if the battery (Duralast..err short) is the same height as the factory size.  You might be able to tilt the battery on the negative pole side and lift straight up(sideways).  I always do that with the batteries on any of the 280SL pagodas, but if the battery is a taller one, then the oil cooler line is to be removed.

[Tom]

You can get battery handles at Advance Auto, Autozone, etc that attach to the posts on the battery and that (plus muscle) will help lift the battery out.

On the oil cooler hose, you will need a thin tappet wrench like the 7/8 inch that comes with this Craftsman set:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947415000P?sid=IDx20070921x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00947415000P

The 7/8" which is equivalent to 22mm to hold the fitting in place, then another wrench (forget the size) for the hose.  This is a two wrench job or you run the risk of damaging the oil cooler.

Best,

Tom

[johnshenry]

Thanks for all the tips.  I will definitely get it out soon, and will wash it down with a baking soda solution.

waltklatt, do you mean basically tip it up on one end (neg term side, nearest the fender)?  Or tip it forward or back?  I don't think I can tip it in any direction.

The battery already has a "luggage handle" strap over the top, so lifting it if it is clear isn't a problem.

If I have to wrench off the oil cooler hose, I will get something on the fitting to keep to torque off of the cooler.

Anyone know what the proper battery is?  I'm not too concerned with "correctness" in this car, but I don't want something that is too big.  If I go to Autozone and have them look up by make/model/year will I get the right one?  Or the same thing I have now?

[hauser]

With an Optima battery you don't have to remove the oil cooler line.  Just something to think about.

[66andBlue]

Plus with an Optima you'll never have to worry about acid leaks.  
Take a look here at gugel's post, he shows the dimensions for a number of different batteries including the original.
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=8627

[johnshenry]

Well I got the battery out.  I got the oil cooler line off without damaging anything, using a 7/8" wrench on the cooler fitting, and huge 1 1/6" wrench (that I got at flea market for $1 a while back) on the hose fitting and it turned loose.  The battery is 285mm x 175mm, and too big according to the measurements in the thread referenced above:

The dimensions do differ a bit from battery to battery.  For example (lincluding the battery posts). 

   Length (mm)      Width (mm)      Height (mm)      Length (in)      Width (in)      Height (in) 
Orig:   260   170   222   10 1/4   6 11/16    8 3/4
BCI 24F:   273   173   229   10 3/4   6 13/16   9
Interstate:
MTP-24F   279   175   222   11   7 7/8   8 3/4
MT-24F or I-24F   260   175   222   10 1/4   7 7/8   8 3/4

I think I am going to try and find a typical 24F battery.  I priced an Optima locally at $170.  I know they are good, but I have trouble justifying that.

I was able to remove the battery frame below the battery.  Some rusty parts, but nothing too bad.  I am media blasting it now and will paint it with some epoxy enamel.

There was a loose metal plate "floor" in the frame that I will probably replace.  Is this original?  OR did the battery just sit in the frame at the bottom?

My old battery had a hole that looked like it had been abrasion worn on the upper corner all the way through, but I can't see anything that it was rubbing on.  I'll want to make sure the new one is properly secured.

I'll try to post a pic or two later on...

[dseretakis]

Getting the battery out on a pagoda is a real PITA but I've always been able to tilt and pull up sideways. This method has never failed me. As far as the plate under the battery goes, yes it is original. It is just a piece of sheetmetal with some beads rolled into it. This can be purchased new for around $40 or made for next to nothing if you have a beadroller (unlikely).

[66andBlue]

$40 for a battery tray? Is it gold plated? 
Just bought one from Dave Gallon for about $13 +tax.

[IXLR8]

Hi--

On my VW type 181, I installed the battery in a boat battery box--can be had from Walmart for about $12.

A boat battery box is molded from ABS black plastic, fits fairly tightly around the battery with wall sides as high as the battery, and it will contain any spillage. These boxes even come with a snap on lid with a flared opening for the two battery cables.

My 230SL isn't far enough along yet, but when I'm ready for it, I will add a boat battery box, perhaps cut down to fit if necessary.

Joe

[Witt]

......you guys probably going to hate me for this but........what is the big deal about batteries?

Seven years ago, when I still had my shop, I installed a plain Jane VW Beetle battery in my Pagoda. ( My automotive repair shop was specialised in VW's ) It fits well, installing and / or removing is no problem and the price is right.
 One advantage on that type of battery is that the terminals are recessed, to prevent touching the springs of the rear seat where the battery is located. That makes that battery even more compact.
Just my five cents (CND) worth.

CERRS !
WITT !

[johnshenry]

Closure on this one.  I took the battery frame out and media blasted it and painted it with epoxy enamel.  I used stainless steel M6 Hardware to reinstall it.  Doesn't look like the acid leak caused any issues.  A couple small areas of rust where the frame mounted, I painted them with Eastwood's Coroless.

I replaced the rusted, thin steel pan in the frame with a piece of 1/8" thick aluminum.

I bought an Interstate MT-24F battery for $92.  I wished it had a handle but with a bit of grunting and cussing I was able to drop it down into place on the frame.  It fit perfectly.

I put the oil line back on and went out for a 10 mile drive yesterday... no salt on the roads in New England ... yet!

Still need to get some J hook rods and make a hold down for the battery.

JH