MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - TF1500 Battery Replacement

Given the slow groaning reaction from the battery in my TF1500, I want to buy a new one. I don't want to fit a modern starter motor, so I wondered what others are/have using/used?

The CCA (cranking power) is my main interest, so cost is not an issue. All suggestions gratefully accepetd.

Maurie Prior
R M Prior

I purchased an “antique” looking AGM battery in the Lucas style in the size 27 or 24 profile.

These engines don’t need a lot of ranking power, get something where the size fits, mine has enough room for a quart of oil next to it comfortably.

Measure what you have, if you are comfortable with that replicate it, unless you are going to get anal about originality.

To remove/replace I removed screws at rear of bonnet, place a length of 2 x 4 across towards middle of the engine and had lots of room.

One important feature is the terminal placement to use existing battery cables.

Good luck on your hunt, in the interim give yours a good charge, might just be lazy after the winter.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

I use an Optima with a fake tar top cover. In the TF, I can install it without removing the bonnet as it's shorter than a stock acid filled battery, it has set for a couple months at a time and never lost it's charge. You can even install it upside down if you prefer, no acid! LOL Their great batteries where mild physical abuse is present, such as speed boats and aerobatic airplanes. Been in the car 5 years now. Just sayin. PJ
PJ Jennings

Big fan of Optima batteries. No acid damage. Years ago, two T-series owners in the area had batteries explode while on trickle chargers! Not cool in a TC with the battery box lid on and acid leaking into the footwells. George
George Butz III

Maurie,

Lifespan of a Lead/Acid battery is now somewhere around 5-8 years. Many use Optimum, but I find them too expensive for my budget. I now use an Impliment battery available from agricultural supply houses. They have heavier plates, resist damage from vibration, and have 625 CCA or better. More than suitable for the T-series cars.

I am getting 10-15 years from this type of battery, and they are less expensive than your normal car battery. Farmers do not like to part with their cash. Put a battery tender on the battery once a month when in storage. (if you can).

CR..
CR Tyrell

I have had rebuilt,rubber cased battteries over the past forty years in my TFs. They usually last 7 to 8 years. No leakage has ever been evident in anyway.

I am a Lucas fan and like the original type look in the engine bay.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos"),
Rob Grantham

Hi

Would an 038 size battery fit (a Lucas size)? Common in use on some old British classic cars, including early Minis and my positive earth dynamo equipped MkII Austin Healey Sprite. More powerful is an 063.

If so Yuasa sell a good 038 size battery ('Yuasa YBC1038') - dimensions and battery terminal layout: https://www.yuasa.co.uk/batteries/automotive/ybx1000-caca-batteries/ybx1038.html Prices can vary, so shop around. Maybe a brand that is available widely?

Vintage look - Lincon batteries if you can find a local supplier: https://www.lincon.co.uk/classic_car_batteries.html

Cheers
Mike
M Wood


In answering my own question........I ended up buying an Exide X56DMF with 630CCA. The difference is rather significant, when compared to the cheap battery that had been fitted by the previous owner. An immediate response, instead of the slow groan of protest that greeted me previously.

I am constantly amazed at the cheapskate inclinations of some people while owning a classic car like the TF1500. Given its value, it really was a miserly thing to do, to fit a cheap starting battery to a classic vehicle such as this. Words fail me.

While I was at it, I made a new wooden battery tray,(there wasn't one) and would you believe,that the previous owner had not only fitted a cheapskate battery, but had compounded the infliction with cut-down ten litre plastic oil drum as a base for the battery?
(I will attach an image next post)


R M Prior


This is the plastic battery tray the previous owner had fitted, instead of the correct wooden one........



R M Prior

This thread was discussed between 15/09/2020 and 20/09/2020

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now