Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing 1988 4/4 Battery

Anyone know the "correct" OEM battery size/type for my 1988 4/4 4-seater? I suspect the original might have been a 038 size, but I guess any battery that fits is good?
Originality is not so important as the ability to turn over the 1.6 CVH.
It sits on the bulkhead on the driver side (right-hand-drive). I don't want to go with any fancy battery as I won't be using it daily or in winter, and it will have a CTEK connected when not in use.

From memory, when I replaced the battery in my '83 CVH 4 seater it was a standard size, (038 rings a bell), but the plastic moldings on the side of the casing varied from manufacturer to manufacturer. If the molding sticks out too much, they interfere with the clamping bolts. You need a friendly supplier who will allow you to try the different batteries before purchase.
Kind regards,
John.

1999 Plus8

Pretty much as I thought. The 038 battery is quite a "thin" battery and pretty tall under the bonnet. I am tempted to pick a "fatter" and lower battery - maybe something like a 063? This will also tend to have higher Ahr and CCA values, but similar price - any reason not to? The battery that came with the car was neither of these and not really the right size - it wasn't clamped either. I think I put it in the Porsche! The 4/4 has been on SORN and I hope to get it mobile next month.

What does your battery clamp(s) look like? On my 1980 it is a square frame that sits on top of the battery, the Halfords 038 fits perfectly and has proved to be a very good battery.

Edit: You answered the clamp question while I was typing it! For reference this is what mine looks like with the "frame", I don't know if your later model is different.



As you have rightly deduced there is room for wider and longer batteries, it is height that is the main consideration. The 038 just fits but an 057 (I found out the hard way) is millimetres taller and will short against the bonnet.

Hi Ian, did't get any clamps with the car. The holes for the clamps are in the bulkhead. I brought a standard top clamp bar from Halfords which will clamp the battery down, but it is not like yours - I haven't been able to find one like yours. The Halfords clamp will cope with a range of battery sizes, and I think I might go for a less tall but "fatter" battery to ensure there are no issues with proximity to the bonnet. I guess with a Morgan, there isn't really any "standard" kit, unless one is looking for faithful ex-factory condition!

Cheers

I agree on battery model subject to adequate capacity/CCA. Getting one with matching terminals and orientation saves a lot of hassle though.

038/4 or 015. Old 'proper' Mini size battery. Screw caps as per Ian's picture is the type you need, as a lot of them have 2 cap covers and they are too high. Cradle only fits this size. Craddle are no longer available from Morgan so don't chuck or cut it 😃