13 replies to this topic

[Izobel]

My Mini has just had a 1380 engine fitted by Vale Minis but has now got battery issues - the car starts fine from cold, but gets a flat'ish battery after a short drive, but will then start again when left for a while. I'm guessing there may be an earthing problem (though Vale Minis and another car electrician have checked it and couldn't resolve) but I've been advised that the battery needs upgrading. I'd be grateful for recomendations as to the best battery options for a 1380cc (manual) so that I can take my 'Butterflies Mini' to the petrol station and be able to restart it and get home again!

Thanks in advance,

Andy
Cheltenham

Attached Files

•  IMG_1854.JPGv2.JPG   567.63K   14 downloads

[danrock101]

most people use the pug 306 diesel batterys, if you're looking for ultimate then you want a optima red top

[Dan]

There is no reason on earth that a 1380 would need a different battery, your problem lies elsewhere.

[Sam Walters]

Problems hot starting? or it not charging up?

[Kerrin]

Yes I had the same problem.

It only happened when I went for petrol or um --- Stalled it.

Mine did improve once the engine was run in but never fixed completely.
In the end i fitted an upgraded starter. But this was mostly due to some spare overtime money, and the last time it happened in a traffic queue and I had to push it to the edge of the road, not fun.

The cost of a bigger battery is cheaper and is worth trying first, as long as you have checked all the connections to make sure it is not something simple. Especially as the engine is new, also check the fan belt tension.

[Boycie]

If the battery is starting the car from cold.. but failing when hot, I'd say your problem is much more likely to be a bad/ corroded connection somewhere, that is worse when things get hot or even damp.

Possibly even high resistance in the main battery cable that runs under the floor. I think it's unlikely to be a battery or even alternator issue, but assume you've checked the charge rate?

[Sam Walters]

will the car start without choke when cold first thing in the morning in this weather?

iv`e had this, turned out to be a fueling issue, managed to get a hole in the float.

[Burnard]

It could be the alternator.

But the actual answer to the question, Bosh HSB075 battery is the best i know that will fit. these are stocked by halfords.

[Izobel]

I've put a new Pug 306 Diesel battery in and there was a slight crackle when attaching the positive terminal (I suspect that is a clue to the problem!). I drove the mini for approx 5 miles then parked up on driveway. Restarted but was reluctant to turn over the first time, started 2nd time and then was fine on other restarts. The mini didn't have any issues before the engine change and all other components (altenator, starter motor etc) are the same ones as on the previous engine.

I'm trying to work logically i.e. what wires/earths would be disturbed (or possibly changed) by Vale Mini's when changing the 1275 engine and gearbox to a 1380. As an aside, should starter motor and/or altenator be changed/uprated and if so, to what spec?

Many thanks for all suggestions/comments so far.

Regards

Andy

[danrock101]

there was a slight crackle when attaching the positive terminal (I suspect that is a clue to the problem!).

haha, I suspect that's a clue too, maybe a short somewhere

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

anyone notice burny loves halfords now hahahah enjoying the new job mate

[Burnard]

oi, lol.

I would have said the exact same thing anyway seen as thats what im running

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

Ive got a halfords calicum 500 cca battery taken from my old 2.0 fiesta

[Ethel]

As Dan said, it shouldn't be that different. The rotating components will weigh pretty much the same, There may be higher compression and friction particularly if it's still running in but no worse than a new standard engine. New batteries can also be low on charge off the shelf.

The most obvious thing to check is the engine earth strap. Another thought that springs to mind; does it have the right ring gear for your starter?