[Mgs] Price Of Two 6 Volt Batteries

[Dodd, Kelvin]

Modern high output batteries have smaller gaps between the plates than
earlier batteries had. This gives higher output in a smaller package,
but does make them more prone to sulfating if they are not kept fully
charged.

The typical 6 volt battery sold by classic car sources that I'm familiar
with still has the old style plate designs and is going to be less prone
to sulfating.

The twin sixes are a cool period thing, so I'm in favor of keeping the
sixes available so owners have a chance to experience the cars as
original. The sixes have a lot of cranking power to turn the old style
starter motor over against the higher compression of a sports engine.

MG went to a single 12v battery as soon as technology got to the point
that they were able to source a small enough battery with adequate
cranking power. It makes sense for those on a budget to move to a modern
small package high output single 12V battery to replace the heavy sixes
taking advantage of more modern technology in an area that is reversible
and unseen.

If anyone is interested in my personal opinion. I'm now sold on the itty
bitty gel cell made by Westco for use in the back of the Mazda Miata.

It is small and light enough to pick up with one hand and has more than
enough cranking power for most of our cars which are typically only used
during the warmer 3 seasons.

I get a bit confused with the concept of installing huge output
batteries like the Optima in a car with a 35 amp alternator. I use
Optima batteries to start my diesel backhoe and a couple in my diesel
truck. I guess if you want to be able to drive round the block on the
starter motor they make sense. Somewhat cheaper than buying a Prius.




Kelvin Dodd


> -----Original Message-----
> From: mgs-bounces+doddk=mossmotors.com at autox.team.net [mailto:mgs-
> bounces+doddk=mossmotors.com at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Paul Hunt
> Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 9:36 AM
> To: RampantNM at aol.com; dcouncill at msubillings.edu;
sumton at sbcglobal.net;
> mgs at autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: [Mgs] Price Of Two 6 Volt Batteries
>
> Fine while the two batteries exhibit exactly the same characteristics.
> When
> one or other starts departing from that one will always discharge
slightly
> into the other.  Two 12v are nearly double the cost of two 6v from the
> same
> source.  Hardly surprising, really, when they have double the
contents.
>
> And does anybody have real evidence that the 6v batteries are made
with
> 50s
> technology and haven't moved on like the 12v have?  They may be, but
there
> is absolutely no reason for it.  Given the small cost difference
between
> two
> sixes and one 12 I would say they made the same.
>
> PaulH.