20 replies to this topic

[mullet]

I would also ask what electrics you have on when dropping to 12v... if you have heater on and rear screen and stereo and radio.

That is a fairdraw of current.. so long as it is above 12.3 or so should be good to rock n roll..

IF IT IS SLOW TO START OCCASSIONALLY(LIKE ME)...then try taking off started and cleaning contacgs and maybe grease the started cog and solenoid alitle..

Just thinking...

It's been around zero degrees here for 8 out of 10 days.  My mini doesn't start.  Slowly turns over.  Would bringing the battery inside to warm up help?  Battery reads 11.99 volts, so presumably not enough to turn it over to start?  Sometimes the red light comes on dull first few minutes of driving, so as this thread suggests, perhaps I need to get the belt tighter (had to take it off to clean radiator this Summer so perhaps didn't put it on a tight as I could have...will check when warmer)?

[bpirie1000]

https://www.ebay.co....TxoCG4cQAvD_BwE

 

 

Can test tension...

 

Never used one. I just check voltage at battery 14.2 when running. Would say check body to block connections are clean first though..

[Quinlan minor]

11.99 volts is low, perhaps, indicating a tired battery. 

Bring it in and fully charge it, in a ventilated area. If it remains below 12.3V, consider replacing it.

[mullet]

Thanks for the replies.  The battery is about 4 years old.  Maybe time for a new one, although I feel this being sudden might be due to some drain somewhere or fanbelt not tight enough.

 

I'll charge the battery and check fanbelt.  I bought a battery charger for my motorbike some years ago.  Appears similar to this https://www.amazon.f...n/dp/B00G49GID4

 

Except my one states 220-240v - 0.075A input / 12V - 0.6A output.

 

It doesn't say strictly for motorbike batteries.  Can this charge a mini battery?

 

[Quinlan minor]

Except my one states 220-240v - 0.075A input / 12V - 0.6A output.

 

It doesn't say strictly for motorbike batteries.  Can this charge a mini battery?

It's a very low output. It should charge it, but it'll take a long time.

 

 

The battery is about 4 years old.  Maybe time for a new one, although I feel this being sudden might be due to some drain somewhere or fanbelt not tight enough.

More likely due to the recent low temperatures, they are anathema to batteries.

[mullet]

 

Except my one states 220-240v - 0.075A input / 12V - 0.6A output.

 

It doesn't say strictly for motorbike batteries.  Can this charge a mini battery?

It's a very low output. It should charge it, but it'll take a long time.

 

 

The battery is about 4 years old.  Maybe time for a new one, although I feel this being sudden might be due to some drain somewhere or fanbelt not tight enough.

More likely due to the recent low temperatures, they are anathema to batteries.

 

You were right.  48 hours to reach 13.33v.  I put the battery back in and it started.  Thanks to the OP for concluding this thread (that meant I found it in the first place...wish everyone did this), I also discovered the fanbelt was as saggy as my dog's crown jewels.  So I added tension and firmly tightened those nuts.  I also replaced the screenwash pump; as odd as it sounds, due to the state the little motor was in I do wonder if that was a slow-drain on the battery (I guess not if that only sprays with ignition on?).  But now when starting, no dim red light on panel under speedo; I suppose it was telling me the power from alternator wasn't enough back to battery to keep it stable.  So in winter, driving with lights on, more loss than gain to battery.  Hopefully no more.  Reads 14.31v at battery when engine turning over.  In summary I guess: saggy bits more than cold.