Re: Battery/starting issues

Posted by Joseph Earl On 2015/11/17 17:30:08

Oh, yes, they used their high tech tester that prints out a little slip of paper that reads, "BATTERY GOOD." I was skeptical, but had no other way to test it. I did use my hydrometer, and it was on the line between fair and good, but the voltage was still reading 6.32, so I gave NAPA the benefit of the doubt and removed the starter to get it checked out. It probably didn't really need new field coils, but at least now it starts like new, with the new battery.

The lesson I've learned is, careful with battery tenders- they can cause the electrolyte to evaporate in a hot garage, leading to sulfation. You just have to stay on top of them, and keep the cells topped up. Better yet, just drive the car frequently, which I was not, because of the cooling issues. Now that that's fixed, I'm driving more, and when I take it apart for paint and body work, I'll just give it a charge, and remove or disconnect it.

I must add that battery tenders are perfect for gel type batteries, like the Optima I have in my Mustang. I rarely drive it, and the tender has maintained the red top Optima for years.