machines with starting batteries.

[rockriver]

i've had 2 machines with starting batteries go out this summer.
both were sudden..
the first was a 6 year old battery 2 months ago... replaced it, after poor results trying to charge.

the second was this week. worked great for years.. 5 + years. then suddenly machine wouldn't crank.
tried to charge. again poor results.. while taking battery out to try to charge, learned that connecter on line was broken... at battery post.
i'm disappointed to have to spend the money... BUT, mighty glad it happened now. mighty glad.
buying new battery while i'm at it. connector will be cheap.
bottom line. sure is better to have 2 new batteries than 2 that are 5 and 6 years old in two machines that i use a lot.

have you checked yours? hmm. guess that is none of my business! so, just a friendly reminder and not a question!

[jimmycthemd]

Excellent point! Happened to me last summer (2012). Went to the store about 3 miles away. Came out and tried to start the car and nothing. Checked the battery and it was 7 years old. I have road service coverage on the car but hoofed it home and got the truck just to punish myself for being a dumbarse.

I'm diligent about changing oil, checking tires and so on. The battery/cables are things that are overlooked WAY too often. Guilty as charged.

[daz]

I have often wondered about the problem of vehicle batteries in a societal collapse situation. Most car type batteries would be no good after 6 years. And I know of no current production cars or trucks or tractors or heavy equipment that can be hand started. Further most have automatic transmissions so they can not be coast started. Other than storing dry batteries and the electrolyte to fill them, any one have any ideas?

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I have often wondered about the problem of vehicle batteries in a societal collapse situation. Most car type batteries would be no good after 6 years. And I know of no current production cars or trucks or tractors or heavy equipment that can be hand started. Further most have automatic transmissions so they can not be coast started. Other than storing dry batteries and the electrolyte to fill them, any one have any ideas?

The Land Rovers can still be hand cranked

[610Alpha]

my car battery went out last winter...had to get a jump...car wouldn't start the next morning...took me 2 hours to remove old and install new battery. Being a diesel mechanic in the army I hate working on civilian vehicles...too much crap in the way and the engineers put stuff in the worst place not caring about simple maintenance.

wife's van battery died a couple of weeks back.

Unless you get on a rigorous maintenance schedule (PMCS) these types of things are easy to miss. Who in here checks their turn signals on a regular basis, I know I don't.

[jimmycthemd]

Unless you get on a rigorous maintenance schedule (PMCS) these types of things are easy to miss. Who in here checks their turn signals on a regular basis, I know I don't.

Once a month on the 4-wheeled vehicles. Every ride with the Harleys.

[610Alpha]

Once a month on the 4-wheeled vehicles. Every ride with the Harleys.

Whats your secret? I think about when I am driving or doing something unrelated then I forget about it.

[kev80]

Well you could try installing an battery charger with an solar panel to keep the battery charged up, just make sure it is one that won't over charge the battery, I also like to use marine grade batteries they seem to last longer

[610Alpha]

Well you could try installing an battery charger with an solar panel to keep the battery charged up, just make sure it is one that won't over charge the battery, I also like to use marine grade batteries they seem to last longer

i wondered if a deep cycle battery would be better but wasn't sure.

[jimmycthemd]

If you store it near an electrical outlet, a battery tender (trickle charger) isn't very expensive. These will keep it charged. Having a weak battery in cold weather is extremely hard on it.

[kev80]

You could also add an voltage meter to help keep track of the battery life

[dusso]

Most of the world's population has no such machinery, and manage to make it. It's not the end of the world if a machine won't start. if it WAS shtf and you just HAD to have said machine working, there'll be batteries everywhere, in broken down, abandoned, wrecked, out of gas, wedged in place, shot up cars. Go get one.

[justanothergunnut]

Most of the world's population has no such machinery, and manage to make it. It's not the end of the world if a machine won't start. if it WAS shtf and you just HAD to have said machine working, there'll be batteries everywhere, in broken down, abandoned, wrecked, out of gas, wedged in place, shot up cars. Go get one.

dont think the entire US is going to be locked in with vehicle gridlock....I dunno maybe in some places but I know areas where there just isnt that many people..