New Batteries - I think ??

[carcuscrae]

Ok, i've had my 96 3.0TD Surf for a few months and even though I don't use it every day i've not had a problem with it. However over the last few weeks I have noticed that it has become a bit sluggish when starting. It used to start almost immediately but now it seems to take 2-3 seconds. Then this morning it just failed to start as if the battery was flat, however, I went home at lunchtime to get the battery details and I managed to start it. Again it was sluggish and took maybe 3-4 seconds and sounded like it was on its last chance when the engine kicked in.

Does this sound like its a battery issue or is it anymore sinister?

If it is a battery issue can anyone recommend a good pair of batteries to buy, where from and what sort of price I should be paying? The details I have from the batteries (I have dual batteries) are 12V / 490 CCA / 65 A. I can't see any make on them but the measurements are roughly 260mm x 177mm x 200mm and they seem to fit the battery trays exactly so they could be the original batteries.

Any help/advice would be very appreciated.

Many Thanks

[charliemuttley]

Any motor factors will just have a listing for a 4-Runner with same engine and they will supply you two of them. As for price, half an hour ago i just paid £42+VAT each, but i am in the trade. They are normally around £60 ish.

[Bogus]

Dont rush out and get batteries unless youre sure. If it doesnt get used much you could simply be taking more energy out of them than you put back in. Put the charger on them for a night, see how long before they flatten again.
If still in doubt check the alternator output. A multimeter across the battery terminals should read around 14-14.5 volts with the engine running, indicating that charge rate is OK. If the reading is low the alternator could be failing.

Bogus

[si tate]

490CCA is a bit weedy, i just got one for mine last week 650CCA, fires up in less than a second now, £55 inc VAT.

[Macca81]

2 650cca Optima Yellowtops! no idea on prices over there tho sorry. you will need the base that comes with em to make em sit high enough, but whoever sells them will have these(they are meant to come free so dont let anyone try and sell you this part...)

[carcuscrae]

490CCA is a bit weedy, i just got one for mine last week 650CCA, fires up in less than a second now, £55 inc VAT.

Can you tell me where you got them from please? Also what make were they so I can track them down at one of my local stockists?

Thanks

[carcuscrae]

UPDATE

Ok I went home last night and managed to start it with not too much of an issue and took it to the local Toyota garage, unfortunately this was 10 miles away. I got the guy there to check the batteries and he said both recorded as 'good'. He started and stopped the Surf on a few occassions and she kicked in almost immediately, didn't show any of the issues I had experienced that morning.

Got up this morning and went to start her and she was sluggish again, took a good 2-3 seconds to kick in. To me, with my limited knowledge, it sounds like a battery issue, am I right and should I just stump up for 2 new batteries?

Thanks

[darkdezigns]

UPDATE

Ok I went home last night and managed to start it with not too much of an issue and took it to the local Toyota garage, unfortunately this was 10 miles away. I got the guy there to check the batteries and he said both recorded as 'good'. He started and stopped the Surf on a few occassions and she kicked in almost immediately, didn't show any of the issues I had experienced that morning.

Got up this morning and went to start her and she was sluggish again, took a good 2-3 seconds to kick in. To me, with my limited knowledge, it sounds like a battery issue, am I right and should I just stump up for 2 new batteries?

Thanks

no as previously said,get sumone with a multimeter(bout 4 quid at maplins to buy) put across either battery set to 20v,start truck,if rewading is between 13.5 and 14.5,then yes go get batteries,if above or below u will need an alternator

[Bogus]

If the batteries are deemed as OK, then its likely that the alternator is OK, Its starting to sound like glow plugs to me

Bogus

[charliemuttley]

There is a slim chance that your starter motor contacts are going as it is only struggling under the most load first thing in the morning when engine tight and cold.
Last resort though!

[si tate]

Can you tell me where you got them from please? Also what make were they so I can track them down at one of my local stockists?

Thanks

Got it from a place called A.S.K Auto Spares Kippax, the best motor factors anywhere they are a import specialist & do all kind of parts for surf's. The battery i got was a platinum energy 650cca with a 3year warranty £55. although it was on special offer,guess it was a case of right place at the right time.
http://www.ukbatteries.co.uk/products.asp

[carcuscrae]

no as previously said,get sumone with a multimeter(bout 4 quid at maplins to buy) put across either battery set to 20v,start truck,if rewading is between 13.5 and 14.5,then yes go get batteries,if above or below u will need an alternator

Ok got a Multimeter and its reading is 13.5 with engine running. Will check again tomorrow to see what the batteries read first thing before starting the engine. I assume this will then show if I have a battery issue?

It does only seem to be first thing in the morning when there is a problem so it is probably the battery draining overnight.

[darkdezigns]

Ok got a Multimeter and its reading is 13.5 with engine running. Will check again tomorrow to see what the batteries read first thing before starting the engine. I assume this will then show if I have a battery issue?

It does only seem to be first thing in the morning when there is a problem so it is probably the battery draining overnight.

at 13.5v alternator isnt wonderfull,but its charging ok,to get it charging more it would be worth cleaning the electricasl connections on it and following the earth and clean it up where it bolts to metal,but yes you need batteries by the looks of it,it wont always be a drain it is usually just the batteries not holding a charge,ps most get their batteries from toyota,they seem cheapest

[tintin]

Sounds like thats what i need to do next then Andy, got 12.6 standing and 13.7 on tickover!

Are any of the cheap jumpstart packs any good or do i need to spend millions of pounds on one. ( the van plays up on cold mornings too, so i need the backup)
Cheers
Alan.

[tintin]

Bump