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  #1  
Old 12-13-2011, 08:53 PM
NWTailwager NWTailwager is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NW,Wash
Posts: 7
Default Need a new Battery

Can anyone recommend a new battery for my 1997 RV-4. I need some solid CCA with 10-1 compression on a cold day.
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  #2  
Old 12-13-2011, 09:26 PM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Dayton, NV
Posts: 12,256
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I've had great luck with the Odyssey PC680 for many years now - rugged, lighter than older batteries, and you can mount it in any position. I am looking in to the new super-lightweight LiFe batteries, but haven't settle don the idea yet.

Paul
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Editor at Large - KITPLANES Magazine
RV-8 - N188PD - "Valkyrie"
RV-6 (By Marriage) - N164MS - "Mikey"
RV-3B - N13PL - "Tsamsiyu"
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Dayton Valley Airpark (A34)
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  #3  
Old 12-13-2011, 09:29 PM
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LifeofReiley LifeofReiley is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Round Rock, TX
Posts: 3,778
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It's really hard to beat the Oddessy Battery, but with 10.1 and a very cold weather most batteries could have a little trouble with CCA's. Maybe a little preheater tied to a cell phone activation device in the hanger would help.
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Retired N622DR - Serial #V7A1467
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  #4  
Old 12-14-2011, 07:31 AM
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Dayton Murdock Dayton Murdock is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Carson City NV
Posts: 550
Default Harley Battery

I tried 2 PC680s and they both failed, I was instructed a local Yak pilot that PC 680 are not designed to endure vibration, (Lycoming O320 vibrate?) His advice was to use a Harley Davidson gel cell battery. I have put over 470 hrs on it with out an issue, My engine starts on cold days like today ( 9F) without hesitation. I will recommend this battery at every opportunity
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  #5  
Old 12-14-2011, 07:40 AM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,769
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Don't know how your aircraft is set-up battery-wise.
I use a PowerSonic 33 AH in my -6 (9.5:1 comp.) It works great. It's heavier than the Odyssey but I need the weight for C/G.
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EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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  #6  
Old 12-14-2011, 07:41 AM
RVFlyer RVFlyer is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Rockwall, TX
Posts: 103
Default B&C

I just replaced mine (150hp, O-320) a few weeks ago with a BC100-1. When we pulled out the old one it was dated 11/2000....eleven years, yep, I'll take another one of those. They also have some with more juice, if necessary.

http://www.bandc.biz/batteries.aspx
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RV-4 bought it, sold it, bought it back, storm totaled it
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  #7  
Old 12-14-2011, 08:03 AM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Posts: 1,213
Default Batteries Plus

I am using a "Werker" brand 12V from Batteries plus. It is for a motorized wheelchair I am told, although it meets the exact spec of a very similar looking Concord. Cost about $70.00 a year ago. I have 100 hrs on my 160HP O-320(lightweight starter) and have done starts at 25-30 degrees without pre-heat. It is very strong even cold.I found this battery from a thread elsewhere a couple years ago, so I'm sure I am not the only one using this type battery.
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  #8  
Old 12-14-2011, 08:03 AM
Rick RV-4 Rick RV-4 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 272
Default PC-680

I've had a PC-680 and I'm pretty happy with it. I may be wrong here, but I think the PC-680's performance actually improves when it gets colder. Maybe some electrical gurus can chime in.

You can't beat the size and weight though.

Rick
RV-4 N999XS
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  #9  
Old 12-14-2011, 08:07 AM
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Sam Buchanan Sam Buchanan is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 4,301
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVFlyer View Post
I just replaced mine (150hp, O-320) a few weeks ago with a BC100-1. When we pulled out the old one it was dated 11/2000....eleven years, yep, I'll take another one of those. They also have some with more juice, if necessary.

http://www.bandc.biz/batteries.aspx
You definitely got your money's worth!

Just as a data point, the B&C100-1 looks like it could be a STC'ed version of the Odyssey PC-925.
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RV-6
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  #10  
Old 12-14-2011, 09:08 AM
jbDC9 jbDC9 is online now
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dayton Murdock View Post
I tried 2 PC680s and they both failed, I was instructed a local Yak pilot that PC 680 are not designed to endure vibration, (Lycoming O320 vibrate?)
Wow, sounds like you got stuck with a couple of bad ones, but what are the odds of that?? I'm still on my first PC680; bought in Oct. '04 (for $55!), first flight Nov. '06 and still going strong with 875 hrs on the Hobbs. As far as the vibration issue, I don't see it, but mine is aft mounted in an RV-8. I'm curious as to how long this sucker will really last...
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