|
7 members (JD44, Burgundymog, High Hamster, BillHart, DJC, mph, MartinB60),
289
guests, and
40
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums34
Topics48,364
Posts813,337
Members9,215
| |
Most Online1,046
Aug 24th, 2023
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,747 Likes: 13
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
|
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,747 Likes: 13 |
agreed Ray , but it still appears to be down to the battery......
James
Aero8 , Series 1 - Boston Green
Mercedes EQC 400 AMG
Smart Brabus Convertible
Honda Monkey Z125
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,597
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
|
|
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,597 |
What is wrong with Morgans and batteries?
There is something fundamentally wrong.
When I worked at sea I used to be away for about 13 weeks at a time my Volvo 460 would sit on the driveway all that time undisturbed not on charge battery still connected.
Not once did that thing fail to light up on the first turn of the key when I got back to use it. I so agree with the above.I'm on my second Odyssey battery*, the car lives in a dry garage and I have a top of the range CTEC trickle charger connected at all times. If I have not used the car for a while I get the dreaded 'clunk' and no spin of the starter. I have had all the usual suspects checked - the earth, starter connections,etc. Now ,here's the odd bit - if I attach my trusty Costco booster the car starts first time.  This would lead me to think the battery has a low charge ,but how can it? * I even purchased a proper battery tester that tells you the cranking output and all seems well.To add insult to injury we have an ancient Toyota (which we call the 'shopping car') which is shamelessly abused.It stands out in all weathers and can be left for weeks on end with snow, rain ,the alarm on ,you name it - and it always starts first time  I have been looking at the new Lithium batteries lately and wondering whether these would be a sensible upgrade..... James James, Batteries, I had had a few, my most recent 6 weeks ago. I have tried a number of "fixes" such as new starter motor, Carcoon tent to prevent any moisture, new CTEK, various battery testers, all these efforts have not solved the issue. However I am on a new strategy and so far it is working well even in the depths of winter. I disconnect the battery after each run, I use a simple screw on off device and secondly I only run a CTEC for only 45 minutes a day. I am strongly suspicious of the CTEC charge rates on the Odyssey which I believe might be cooking the thin lead plates it comes with. I try to get the car out at least once a week during the winter and so far no clicking and a very strong start from the battery, here's hoping.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,747 Likes: 13
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
|
|
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,747 Likes: 13 |
What is wrong with Morgans and batteries?
There is something fundamentally wrong.
When I worked at sea I used to be away for about 13 weeks at a time my Volvo 460 would sit on the driveway all that time undisturbed not on charge battery still connected.
Not once did that thing fail to light up on the first turn of the key when I got back to use it. I so agree with the above.I'm on my second Odyssey battery*, the car lives in a dry garage and I have a top of the range CTEC trickle charger connected at all times. If I have not used the car for a while I get the dreaded 'clunk' and no spin of the starter. I have had all the usual suspects checked - the earth, starter connections,etc. Now ,here's the odd bit - if I attach my trusty Costco booster the car starts first time. This would lead me to think the battery has a low charge ,but how can it? * I even purchased a proper battery tester that tells you the cranking output and all seems well.To add insult to injury we have an ancient Toyota (which we call the 'shopping car') which is shamelessly abused.It stands out in all weathers and can be left for weeks on end with snow, rain ,the alarm on ,you name it - and it always starts first time I have been looking at the new Lithium batteries lately and wondering whether these would be a sensible upgrade..... James James, Batteries, I had had a few, my most recent 6 weeks ago. I have tried a number of "fixes" such as new starter motor, Carcoon tent to prevent any moisture, new CTEK, various battery testers, all these efforts have not solved the issue. However I am on a new strategy and so far it is working well even in the depths of winter. I disconnect the battery after each run, I use a simple screw on off device and secondly I only run a CTEC for only 45 minutes a day. I am strongly suspicious of the CTEC charge rates on the Odyssey which I believe might be cooking the thin lead plates it comes with. I try to get the car out at least once a week during the winter and so far no clicking and a very strong start from the battery, here's hoping. - interesting observations here Dave;I too am becoming a little suspicious of the CTEK charger.  I don't think it is able to get the battery to the optimum voltage/amps - which is why my power pack will get the motor spinning when the car battery won't.It may well be 'cooking' the plates too;I asked various Odyssey suppliers and most said a trickle charger would be OK,but some said it wasn't needed.... I may try your strategy of getting the battery up to 'full' on the CTEK and then disconnecting and see how that goes James
Aero8 , Series 1 - Boston Green
Mercedes EQC 400 AMG
Smart Brabus Convertible
Honda Monkey Z125
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,646 Likes: 1
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
|
|
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,646 Likes: 1 |
My guess is that the battery issue is down to the BMW electrical system/canbus etc. It appears to be doctored a little to suit the Morgan and so has a lot of unused circuits like traction control etc.
Perhaps it creates a drain somewhere that is hard to identify. If ever you leave your key in the ignition (turned off) by mistake, within half hour the battery will be drained enough to prevent starting. I guess that might be down to some kind of immobiliser as well.
Whatever it is, it can be very frustrating!
Aero 8 GTN. #10
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,790 Likes: 471
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,790 Likes: 471 |
If I had an Odyssey battery I would invest in one of these http://www.odysseybattery.com/documents/ody_chargers_sheet.pdfThese cells use totally different technology and temperature during their life cycle plays a crucial part in the cells functionality. As a rule of thumb for every 10C above 20C that you expose it to you half the useful life, as will be clear an engine bay is far from an ideal environment. (don't know where Aero's are sited but a lot of Classics are under the bonnet) The CTEK could well prove to be too crude an instrument for this mat technology cell and be causing damage due to either too high a charge rate or overcharging leading to overheating and damage to the cells. Looking at the spec on the Odyssey charger it is an intelligent one, certainly worth one of you getting one and trialling it in an attempt to provide a longer term solution.
2009 4/4 Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Connaught Green +8 prev
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7,553 Likes: 88
Talk Morgan Guru
|
|
Talk Morgan Guru
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7,553 Likes: 88 |
Just for information. I fitted an Odyssey PC925 5 years ago to my 4/4. (The battery is positioned under the bonnet).
I use an Optimate to keep it charged, so far with no issues.
Bud
4/4 "Stanley"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 469
Learner Plates Off!
|
|
Learner Plates Off!
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 469 |
The trads suffer from battery drain as well, my Roadster used to flatten the battery in about 2 weeks. I used to flip the isolator switch on the Aero (under the bonnet on the front of the fuse box) after every run, that stopped the need for constant charging, the battery would stay charged for months with no use.
(the electric windows and radio needed resetting each time, less hassle than charging or a flat battery every time)
As has already been said, there must be an underlying problem with Morgans as My tin top can stand for 2 months outside in all weathers then start first try!!
Ian
2017 Mercedes Benz SLC 200 AMG.
2019 Mercedes Benz GLA 200 AMG
Now Ex-Mogger!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,547 Likes: 4
Talk Morgan Addict
|
|
Talk Morgan Addict
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,547 Likes: 4 |
Yup my Roadster has a problem - something to do with the dash module (radio is currently out so it's not that) either that or some really poor connections causing power losses.
If I remove the fuses for the dash module/s up it pops 100% I have a bluetooth Ctek battery monitor strapped across the battery.
I contacted Caerbont but received tumbleweed in reply......
Sad to see the Aero's suffering the same anomoly
So they actually really "All do that Sir!"
You should not have to keep a battery conditioner on a car ad-infinitum!
Biggest problem with my other cars kept out on the drive when I don't use them, is that the brakes rust!
Mark - No Longer driving Archie the Old English Sheep Mog........... 2010 Roadster 3.0 V6 (S3) 
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,790 Likes: 471
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,790 Likes: 471 |
The trads suffer from battery drain as well, my Roadster used to flatten the battery in about 2 weeks. I used to flip the isolator switch on the Aero (under the bonnet on the front of the fuse box) after every run, that stopped the need for constant charging, the battery would stay charged for months with no use.
(the electric windows and radio needed resetting each time, less hassle than charging or a flat battery every time)
As has already been said, there must be an underlying problem with Morgans as My tin top can stand for 2 months outside in all weathers then start first try!!
Ian I never use a charger on mine but it's a proper wet battery sitting in front of the rear axle, it'll go for weeks but I always switch off the isolator switch. It only takes the ECU a few miles to relearn and I don't find that a problem.
2009 4/4 Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Connaught Green +8 prev
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,013 Likes: 32
Charter Member
|
|
Charter Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,013 Likes: 32 |
Battery drain is a problem on the BMW X5 - or at least the internet is riddled with owners saying so.
I have always kept cars on a trickle charge if they're not driven for a week or more.
+8 4.8
|
|
|
|
|
