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MG MGF Technical - Which blooming battery do I need?

Hi,

After nine years I think I'll get a new battery as a precaution (the old original battery still cranks fine). So off I go to Halfords and treat the car to a HD calcium battery HCB063, as noted in their book. Actually the book gives two batteries for the F, the 63 for the mpi and the 75 for the VVC. I have an mpi, so I bought the 63.

So, back home the new battery is smaller than the old one, by about 1.5" in length. Further more, the old battery more or less fills the battery space, so it must be the larger spec, no? The worksop manual says that the F with electrical steering (as mine is) uses the YGD10012, but that's no good as this is not stamped either on the old or new battery.

The old battery has SAE 570 on the label, the new one 440A cranking power. Does SAE mean cranking power? Is the new battery less powerful than the old?

So, which battery do I need? If only the world would standardise labelling all this aggro would be avoided and I wouldn't have to ask silly questions. I know, I know, dream on.

Regards, Kes.
Kes

Kes

Get the biggest you can! The smaller battery was meant for cars without power steering and ABS.

BTW you are bl**dy lucky if this is your first replacement in 9 years! I find mine last 2 to 3 years only!
Ted Newman

Thanks Ted, after some trawling through the archives I've discovered that, as you say, the difference is due to the PAS and not, as Halfords book says, whether it's an mpi or a VVC. So tomorrow I'll swop for the larger.

The original is still steaming well after 9 years, I only changed it as we're off for a cold few days in the alps and I don't want to be stuck up some peak with only a St Bernard for company. No, I don't mean Jane, honest.

I find that most original stuff lasts far longer than replacements. My original disc pads lasted 32k (and still had life in them), whilst replacements in other vehicles I've had only last around half that.

Regards, Kes.
Kes

Enjoy the Alps!! BTW I am told there are no longer any dogs on the Grand St Bernard but the hospice is till there - maybe they will have some redundant doggy neck barrels still complete with brandy :-)
Ted Newman

I believe the doggies are only there for the summer tourists and go home down the mountain for the winter. I will tell you next Monday. Ann will be disappointed if Henry is not there.
Oh, For a battery, then go to http://www.varta.com
I cannot risk the battery on the Steptronic as you cannot bump start an automatic so it is changed every 4 years as on our other cars.
Varta are popularly the best battery in Europe and I have used them for many years including in the cold climates of Jugoslavija (as was) and Switzerland.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Hi Kes,

long time no speak.
Go for the biggest, as mentioned already. Halfords and other catalogues almost suggest the wrong battery
I.e.
Varta-Batterie Blue Dynamic 62 Ah, 242 x 175 x 190 mm
Wherein I need to say, VARTA isn't that _european company_ any more ;)

Regards
Dieter
PS. and while you are on there, change the ground cable between battery and front inner wing.
Dieter

Just fitted a Halfords HB075 to my '05 TF160
The Rover one only lasted 2.5 years :-(
jt
John Thomas

This thread was discussed between 10/09/2007 and 01/10/2007

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