Batteries and Draining...

[IsaacMTSU]

I know there are tons of treads about getting smaller batteries, deleting the alternator etc., but there are also tons of threads about people killing batteries EOC'ing and losing headlights, radio power.

I just wanted to put this out there... I use a 9 pound AGM (Glass Mat) motorcycle battery in my CRX. I EOC with my headlights on, sometimes on high beams, and my iPod FM transmitted to my radio for long distances. I coast down to red lights engine braking while EOC and wait until they turn green, use my starter and go. My commute is 42 miles round trip and I EOC about 40% of it. Ultimately, I have never had a problem with the electrical system or low power levels. My CRX uses low charge and high charge states based on engine load and even after a long EOC (5 miles) with head lights, iPod, transmitter, fan going, etc. it is always strong cranking at the stop signs/traffic lights and is in low charge state after I get cruising... what is the big deal with everybody getting deep cycle behemoths and solar panels? Honestly, I think the 9 pound YTX14-BS I have is overkill for my CRX. It has 200 CCA and the OEM battery had 425+.

Also, AGM batteries are awesome! They are able to be deep cycled, have plenty of CCA for starting, can last months and months even in the winter without being trickle charged, and can be placed anywhere because they are sealed completely and are spill proof and handle vibration well.

[Gasoline Fumes]

I've drained the OE size battery in my '91 Civic a few times EOC at night. I'm thinking my pulses are sometimes not long enough to recharge after the glides. It's a two year old "blem" battery from Interstate. Maybe it's a weak battery anyway, but it starts the engine fine. My alternator is always in the high charge state now.

[IsaacMTSU]

One thing that helped my car run smoother and start faster was to clean the ground wires on the battery, but mostly the engine ground cable to the chassis