The Ford Barn

Brendan · 12-18-2013, 08:37 PM

how long will a 6 volt battery last? its been cold hear the last few weeks. my battery is 3 1/2 years old and it wont take a charge

BILL WZOREK · 12-18-2013, 08:45 PM

In your case 3 1/2 years.LOL / There is a lot of variables, a lot of short runs the battery never get a full recharge, How well is the entire electrical system condition,additional lights,a Generator Vrs. alternator, and it go on:::::

Mike B · 12-18-2013, 08:47 PM

Your battery, 3.5 years

Sorry, had to say that

When charging, with caps off, look for the cell(s) that don't bubble, drop a few uncoated aspirin in them and see if they come back to life...I think-not sure-that the aspirin cleans something that is shorting the cells...imagine what it does to your intestines!

FWIW, I've brought back many a dead cell this way, but probably spent more on running the charger than was worth it for a few months more of life...mercy...

Edit:

Bill zinged ya first!

Brendan · 12-19-2013, 08:37 AM

I have a 3 brush generator that is set low, it puts out about 15 amps. I don't drive at night. all the wiring is about 4 years old and there are no electrical accessories

ken ct · 12-19-2013, 10:13 AM

I got a ordinary lead-acid one in mine for over 4 yrs and still good ?? ken ct.

jon laing · 12-19-2013, 11:06 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have been told by people who should know that the quality of batteries varies significantly depending on the manufacturer. Supposedly Interstate is one of the best manufacturers. They are a little more money but my experience says they last a lot longer than 4 years assuming the electrical system is working properly. Jon Laing

Lawrie · 12-19-2013, 04:40 PM

If you have to replace it,put an optima in,
I have them in my 33 and 34,you could drive them down to the shop on the starter alone.
Lawrie

jkeesey · 12-19-2013, 04:44 PM

Batteries are up in the air when it comes to lifespan. It could be 3 years it could be ten plus. Ive got an optima here my buddy dropped off that came in his 39 when he bought it ten years ago and it still works great. I use it as a jumper.

Marv · 12-19-2013, 04:56 PM

In my area Interstate would be the last battery i would buy. You are lucky if they last a year. Most of them do not.

oldford2 · 12-19-2013, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken ct

I got a ordinary lead-acid one in mine for over 4 yrs and still good ?? ken ct.

Ken, Do you have your car back on the road?
John

Kurt in NJ · 12-19-2013, 05:23 PM

For me regular lead acid--7-9 years
Battery off return pile 5 years
Script batt--2-3 years
Optima--16 years
I never charge batt when sitting or parked for winter
My current battery is a 12V AGM that had the + post burned off and I cut those 3 cells off to make it 6V

rotorwrench · 12-19-2013, 05:33 PM

In my experience, if a battery is fresh when purchased and is used on a daily basis, it will last much longer than one that is dormant most of the time. Fiberglass matrix or "maintenance free" batteries can have an advantage with modern cycle chargers that are available now. The technology constantly discharges & recharges it to maintain its life. It would be comparable to using the battery on a daily basis but the car can sit in the garage.

The old tar top 6-volt batteries of yesteryear would average about a 4 to 6-year life span. They could even rebuild those by cleaning the case up & installing new plates & tie bars.

JM 35 Sedan · 12-19-2013, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lawrie

If you have to replace it,put an optima in,
I have them in my 33 and 34,you could drive them down to the shop on the starter alone.
Lawrie

LOL Lawrie

. I am also sold on them. Would never even consider putting another 6V lead acid battery in any of my old Fords. The 6V Red Top Optima in my '35 Fordor cranks the engine like it's 12V. I don't even bother trying to disguise them in a script lead acid case.

TagMan · 12-19-2013, 06:58 PM

8-10 years and I always have it hooked up to a Battery Tender trickle charger, check the electrolyte regularly, and replenish it with distilled water.

42guy · 12-19-2013, 07:30 PM

I have got 5 yrs. on my Interstate.

189j40 · 12-19-2013, 07:43 PM

take to a parts store. they can check it under a load.

oldford2 · 12-19-2013, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 42guy

I have got 5 yrs. on my Interstate.

Richard,
I was getting on the Mass pike at Lee, MA and a flatbed with a nice looking black 42 coupe on it was just getting off. Only a few moments to look it over. Was it yours?
John

1932 V8 · 12-19-2013, 08:52 PM

Hey Brenden , the one in the 39 is just a plain jane 6 volt from Interstate. It is black in color which I liked and it has been in there 5 years . I put it on a tender when I know it is going to site for a week or two . I am happy with it

JonC · 12-19-2013, 09:01 PM

Mine came from Tractor Supply $62 and has been working for five years.

peewee2you · 12-19-2013, 09:03 PM

Brendan, I use the Interstate battery as well stirickly 6v, the one recommended by Interstate, and I've gone thru 2 within 3.5 to 4yrs each time. I do have a tender but do not utilize it like I should, and the car sits long periods between drives, I think that's why they don't last the length of time they should, however I believe they are only 48mo batteries at most. I just checked their website, and it looks like they don't even show it to be offered anymore.

12-18-2013, 08:37 PM	#1
Brendan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: At my kitchen table in Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 2,903	6 volt battery how long will a 6 volt battery last? its been cold hear the last few weeks. my battery is 3 1/2 years old and it wont take a charge __________________ If it would have been a snake it would have bit ya! i can't spell my way out of a paper bag!

12-18-2013, 08:45 PM	#2
BILL WZOREK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florence Ma. Posts: 2,404	Re: 6 volt battery In your case 3 1/2 years.LOL / There is a lot of variables, a lot of short runs the battery never get a full recharge, How well is the entire electrical system condition,additional lights,a Generator Vrs. alternator, and it go on:::::

12-18-2013, 08:47 PM	#3
Mike B Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oakdale,Ca Posts: 1,323	Re: 6 volt battery Your battery, 3.5 years Sorry, had to say that When charging, with caps off, look for the cell(s) that don't bubble, drop a few uncoated aspirin in them and see if they come back to life...I think-not sure-that the aspirin cleans something that is shorting the cells...imagine what it does to your intestines! FWIW, I've brought back many a dead cell this way, but probably spent more on running the charger than was worth it for a few months more of life...mercy... Edit: Bill zinged ya first!

12-19-2013, 08:37 AM	#4
Brendan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: At my kitchen table in Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 2,903	Re: 6 volt battery I have a 3 brush generator that is set low, it puts out about 15 amps. I don't drive at night. all the wiring is about 4 years old and there are no electrical accessories __________________ If it would have been a snake it would have bit ya! i can't spell my way out of a paper bag!

12-19-2013, 10:13 AM	#5
ken ct BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: stratford,ct Posts: 5,971	Re: 6 volt battery I got a ordinary lead-acid one in mine for over 4 yrs and still good ?? ken ct.

12-19-2013, 11:06 AM	#6
jon laing Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: DRUMMOND iSLAND, Mi. Posts: 247	Re: 6 volt battery Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have been told by people who should know that the quality of batteries varies significantly depending on the manufacturer. Supposedly Interstate is one of the best manufacturers. They are a little more money but my experience says they last a lot longer than 4 years assuming the electrical system is working properly. Jon Laing

12-19-2013, 04:40 PM	#7
Lawrie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Qld, Australia Posts: 4,215	Re: 6 volt battery If you have to replace it,put an optima in, I have them in my 33 and 34,you could drive them down to the shop on the starter alone. Lawrie

12-19-2013, 04:44 PM	#8
jkeesey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Glenmoore Pa Posts: 1,644	Re: 6 volt battery Batteries are up in the air when it comes to lifespan. It could be 3 years it could be ten plus. Ive got an optima here my buddy dropped off that came in his 39 when he bought it ten years ago and it still works great. I use it as a jumper.

12-19-2013, 04:56 PM	#9
Marv Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 875	Re: 6 volt battery In my area Interstate would be the last battery i would buy. You are lucky if they last a year. Most of them do not.

12-19-2013, 05:23 PM	#11
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: 6 volt battery For me regular lead acid--7-9 years Battery off return pile 5 years Script batt--2-3 years Optima--16 years I never charge batt when sitting or parked for winter My current battery is a 12V AGM that had the + post burned off and I cut those 3 cells off to make it 6V

12-19-2013, 05:33 PM	#12
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: 6 volt battery In my experience, if a battery is fresh when purchased and is used on a daily basis, it will last much longer than one that is dormant most of the time. Fiberglass matrix or "maintenance free" batteries can have an advantage with modern cycle chargers that are available now. The technology constantly discharges & recharges it to maintain its life. It would be comparable to using the battery on a daily basis but the car can sit in the garage. The old tar top 6-volt batteries of yesteryear would average about a 4 to 6-year life span. They could even rebuild those by cleaning the case up & installing new plates & tie bars.

12-19-2013, 06:58 PM	#14
TagMan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Alvaton, Kentucky, USA Posts: 955	Re: 6 volt battery 8-10 years and I always have it hooked up to a Battery Tender trickle charger, check the electrolyte regularly, and replenish it with distilled water.

12-19-2013, 07:30 PM	#15
42guy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York State Posts: 289	Re: 6 volt battery I have got 5 yrs. on my Interstate.

12-19-2013, 07:43 PM	#16
189j40 Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 32	Re: 6 volt battery take to a parts store. they can check it under a load.

12-19-2013, 08:52 PM	#18
1932 V8 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windsor California Posts: 492	Re: 6 volt battery Hey Brenden , the one in the 39 is just a plain jane 6 volt from Interstate. It is black in color which I liked and it has been in there 5 years . I put it on a tender when I know it is going to site for a week or two . I am happy with it

12-19-2013, 09:01 PM	#19
JonC Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Central NY Posts: 629	Re: 6 volt battery Mine came from Tractor Supply $62 and has been working for five years.

12-19-2013, 09:03 PM	#20
peewee2you Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Elk Grove, CA Posts: 663	Re: 6 volt battery Brendan, I use the Interstate battery as well stirickly 6v, the one recommended by Interstate, and I've gone thru 2 within 3.5 to 4yrs each time. I do have a tender but do not utilize it like I should, and the car sits long periods between drives, I think that's why they don't last the length of time they should, however I believe they are only 48mo batteries at most. I just checked their website, and it looks like they don't even show it to be offered anymore.