6V Battery Life

[douglasmthom]

When I bought my jeep in October of 2011 the previous owner provided a new 6V group 2 Deka battery. Today she cranks enthusiastically for the first half dozen turns of the engine, but then starts to slow considerably. This battery has taken me through lots of trouble-shooting, engine repairs and recently a complete new engine break-in. The charging system is healthy and the water in the cells is good, but I'm thinking this battery is just getting a little long in the tooth. What are you other folks experiencing for battery life? If I go for a replacement - any recommendations on brands?

[Mark in Tucson]

I would stick with the Deka.
I get 4-5 years out of mine.
Non use is hard on batteries.
A battery tender will help.
When adding water to batteries use distilled water and do not over fill.

Mark

[fiveftsix]

My experience is just over three years and you will note that`s about as long as most manufactures give a warranty.
Climate has a bearing on Battery life as does use or dis- use.
It appears some are looking toward the CAT made batteries see topic
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=250041
These are listed as something like 760 CCA`s which is almost double the original specs.
Should spin your motor over like a 12 volt one as long as your cables are the right gauge and grounding points are all clean and good.
Geoff Bull

[cjv-35]

When I purchased my 45 GPW in Sept 2011, I installed an Interstate Heavy Duty 2-HXD battery. Still spins my original 6-volt system like a 12 volt. A very good battery in my opinion.

[artificer]

I had a CAT battery in my 1985 Crown Victoria go for 10 years [from 1987-97. That sold me & it was before I worked for Caterpillar.

[dinof]

I've had an Interstate battery in my jeep since 2009. I took it to Interstate to have them stress test it to see if it was time for a new one. The tech tested it and said it was still testing good. I run Interstate in all my autos.

Dino

[Chuck Lutz]

Doug....take the battery to a NAPA store....while you can charge it to 6 volts easily enough, it is the CCAs that keep it cranking until the motor starts up. I use a NAPA battery and I think it has 625 CCAs or something like that....when they last tested one I had in the jeep for about five years it was only at about 275 CCAs or something like that...

Which won't cut it....

I try to drive the jeep on a 15 mile course out through the county once every two weeks or so pending the schedule/weather/etc. That means I fires up in about four seconds or so...if I wait longer than a few weeks it needs a squirt of gas in the carb to avoid a long cranking session. I have an air leak somewhere in the fuel system that lets in air but does not leak gas....

I still get an easy 15 MPG on most rides and the longer ones with less stop/go driving for sure....works for me.

[dpcd67]

I use the Rayovac Commercial 6 Volt, (sold by Batteries Plus) group 2; 940 amps; 780 Cold Cranking Amps. This is the most powerful 6V battery I have ever found.

[cjv-35]

What's the exact number for the Rayovac 6-Volt battery ?

[Marty, SoCal]

Cat sells 2 different group 2 batteries, a "Premium High Output" and a "Premium". The high output has more vibration resistance, slightly lower CCA's.

https://parts.cat.com/wcs-static/pdfs/PEHJ0073-02.pdf

I got five years service out of my Interstate Group 2, and have three years on my Deka

Deka commercial battery link:
http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/wp ... r-0010.pdf

[dpcd67]

I don't know the part number; jeep is in storage and it is 8 degrees out here. It was the only group 2 Rayovac they had. Go to batteries plus store and see; they have them on the shelf here.

[Joe Gopan]

The Caterpillar 153-5690 Group 2 battery normally gives my MB 7 years, the present one will likely last longer due to the smart battery charger I use during the winter months.

[tsmgguy]

Why not install a 6v Optima battery in a replica Willard or Ford tar top case? Yes, the up-front cost is more, but they look just the same as the originals, are far lighter, and there's never any spillage, corrosion, or maintenance. Cranking amperage is far better. You never have to put a charger on it, not even a float or trickle charger. There's no modification necessary to the tray or charging system. I installed one of these in 2008 and literally have never had to touch it, or give it a second thought, except to be thankful for it. That's almost seven years ago, now. Even if I have not driven the Jeep in a while, there's no doubt in my mind that it will crank. I mean, installing a lead acid battery, in 2015? What can the reason for this be, except for the initial cost? Could you even buy the two or three lead acid batteries that you'll need in seven years for less than the cost of one Optima? C'mon, people, let's wake up and smell the ozone!

Edit: Here's the Optima/tar top case in my MB today. Looks pretty convincing, huh?

[gearhead]

Howard, yes you can buy 2 or 3 lead acids for the $300+ cost of the Optima in a replica case.
They are great, I am running one in my "street jeep".
Some here on the "G" have had some issues with the Optima too.

Ed S