AGM Battery
 

Need a new battery for Model A driver. My Optima only lasted three years and had to nurse it through the last 6 months. Want to stay with AGM type. What would you recommend? Thanks

Re: AGM Battery
 

Forgot to mention 6v system.

Re: AGM Battery
 

If you can find one it’ll likely be 2x-3x the price of a conventional battery.

Re: AGM Battery
 

Are you using something with a voltage regulator? Like an alternator or a generator with an EVR?

Do you keep a battery minder on the battery when parked?

Do you use a battery disconnect or pull a fuse when parked, to prevent parasitic drain?

The above will help lengthen battery life.

Re: AGM Battery
 

Re: AGM Battery
 

No.

Re: AGM Battery
 

All lead acid batteries are susceptible to sulfur oxidation on the plates and reduces the life of the battery
There are chargers/conditioners that can perform a desulfurization prior to a recharging

removes sulfate deposits from the battery's lead plates and returns them to the battery
acid.

In addition to the suggestions previously noted it would seem that temperature extremes will also shorten the life

I used both AGM and wet cells in cars and as utility units ie. barn lighting and portable winches

So far the best charger maintainers are NOCO brand I even had the local high school competitive robotics team start using them with more consistent performance

John

Re: AGM Battery
 

How many of you guys use battery oil? I had to look it up.

Re: AGM Battery
 

Lithium ion batteries for cars have started to be available. You may want to consider them. They are very small for the amount of current they put out. They are expensive but may be the last battery you will have to buy. Here is a 6 Volt battery for a motorcycle that puts out 120 amps that may be enough for a Model A. You would need different cables or at least different ends. If 120 amps is not enough you could use two in parallel, although charging may be a problem because of the need to equalize the batteries. If this is something that you are interested in, do an internet search.

https://antigravitybatteries.com/pro...age/ag-802-6v/

Re: AGM Battery
 

Not me, makes 'em too slippery!

Re: AGM Battery
 

What about Banana Oil?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFrD-7wR9bc

Re: AGM Battery
 

Battery oil has been around for a long time, they used it in Edison Batteries for the railroads and telegraph.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e59f050e_z.jpg

Re: AGM Battery
 

A battery tender is vital to keep batteries alive on low use cars. When a battery is even a little down cold (freezing) weather can greatly effect its life expectancy. I've gotten very long service from all the Optima batteries I've owned. I put a 6V Optima in my car last year. It's got a NuRex 6V high output alternator but I still put it on the tender if I'm not going to use the car for a couple weeks.

Re: AGM Battery
 

When properly restored, the original Ford generator can meet all the electrical needs of a stock model A. However, by inherent 3-brush generator design, voltage can easily rise above 8 volts. Anything above 7.2 volts starts to boil out battery electrolyte. This is where Mike Hill's Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) really shines. It limits generator voltage to a maximum of 7.2 volts as well as controlling current output. It mounts internally, replacing the 3rd brush assembly - making it a 2-brush generator. The EVR can go a long way towards extending battery life.

Re: AGM Battery
 

ndnchf thanks for posting that and with pictures!!

I am glad someone took up the banner from Tom Wesenberg and is making these again.

We have one in the '30 Roadster and also the '36 PU both stock 6V POS ground as original units and they work GREAT I can't say enough good about these!!

If you don't have an EVR I highly recommend installing one.

Re: AGM Battery
 

While Mike designed his EVR for model A generators, I found they working in '32-'37 flathead V8s too. I run one in my '31 pickup and '35 Fordor.

Re: AGM Battery
 

Just a note for thought...I've had my current Model A for 19+ years. I've purchased two Optama batteries in that time for it. I do have a six volt alternator...seems to me like the best of the worlds for an A that is driven at least once a week, unless I am on vacation and then it might sit for no more than three weeks at a time. Ernie in Arizona

Re: AGM Battery
 

Optima battery quality has been hit and miss lately . As mentioned is other posts a battery minder of some type and a cut off switch help with battery life .
For the Optimas I have had them last anywhere from 3 to 9 years.

Re: AGM Battery
 

Just curious - is there a way to get this EVR in a kit form? I'm having my generator rebuilt and think this would be a nice addition

Re: AGM Battery
 

You can buy the EVR directly from Mike Hill. Email him at:
[email protected]