4 replies to this topic

[Will16]

Hi TMF,

I've a problem that I'm sure you can help out on! The battery on my 91 Mayfair keeps going flat.

The car is currently SORN and sits in out garage, but it gets started and has a run around the block most weeks. Recently, it hasn't been started as often and after being left for about two weeks with no start up the car won't start. Is there a real problem, or is it a case that it needs to be started more often. Reading back into the history of the car (the lady before kept a log book of everything done to it) it says it's on its 4th battery, possibly a reoccurring theme?

Any help would be great,
Thanks,
Will

[minibuck]

I had the same issue with mine. When I wasn't using it I just took the positive connection off the battery and put it back on when I came to start it. But that was only short period of time, say a week. I then fitted a battery cut off switch so it came a lot easier to disconnect power. I'm no expert tho, just what I did to prevent a flat battery when the car wasn't been used for a week or so. There is a page on here with problem solving of battery problems that is good advice

[Stu.]

If you're just running it round the block as you say, chances are you're discharging the battery. The alternator won't be putting enough charge back into the battery on a quick run around the block, you'd need a good long 1-2 hour drive for that, although if it's sorn you don't have that option.

[Mini Manannán]

 but it gets started and has a run around the block most weeks. Recently, it hasn't been started as often and after being left for about two weeks with no start up the car won't start. 

 

There's your problem Will, you need to get out more!  "a run around the block" isn't enough to charge your battery. Trickle charger or longer runs is the answer.

[CityEPete]

I once read that it takes 7 miles of driving to replace the charge that was used to start a car, you could put a multimeter between the positive terminal and the positive lead after removing it and see what current is being drawn when everything is off, dont be a ding bat and leave a door open so the interior light would be on though, not that I have ever done that.....