Another stupid question

[Tinster]

Why do the batteries of Triumphs have to be disconnected
when the engine is tuned off? My Hillman did not requite it
and my Jeeps do not require it.

Just wondering, that's all.

d

 

[LastDeadLast]

Probably because most of these cars sit for long periods of time and if you have even a small power drain, by say a radio clock, then over time (say a winter) the battery will go dead.

With all this being said, I don't disconnect mine and if you drive yours with any regularity (once a week should be more than enough), AND if your electrical system is in good shape, then you shouldn't have to either.

 

[NickMorgan]

Dale,
I don't think they do! Do you have a drain from your battery?
Nick

 

[philman]

mine stay connected?!

 

[Geo Hahn]

Radio??? Clock???

 

[Harry_Ward]

Dale,

I do not disconnect my battery unless it is sitting on stands and is going to be worked on. Otherwise, it's turn the key and push the start button for me.

Shutting off the battery is usually done for a number of reasons;

Storage, if the car is put up for storage the battery should be removed from the car as well in my opinion.
Theft deterrent. Kinda impractical though as a hidden switch is an easier option.
The car sits for long periods as mentioned (see storage).
Eliminate potential for electrical short causing a fire.
An electrical short or slow draw due to leaving something on causing battery drain as mentioned.

 

[LastDeadLast]

Radio??? Clock???

Hey I don't have a radio or clock either.. it's the only thing I could think of. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/driving.gif

 

[RobT]

I do - but only because I don't trust Lord Lucas!

 

[LastDeadLast]

Heck, there's not much left of Lord Lucus' stuff on my rig.

 

[Guest]

I'm on the edge of my seat because I just know we have a real dusey coming here.

.

 

[NutmegCT]

Dale - mine is connected all the time except for during maintenance.

Check your battery drain.

T.

 

[tr6_easyrider]

There's a battery drain? I justed checked and cannot find a drain plug!

 

[piman]

Hello Dale,

"Why do the batteries of Triumphs have to be disconnected"

Who said that they have to be, Triumphs are no different to other cars in that respect?

Alec

 

[Tinster]

I installed a battery cutoff switch because it was suggested
I do so. The big Three sell the cut-off switch so I thought
it is needed.

I have one cut-off on the neg terminal and a second cut-off
for the positive terminal, just to be safe. I thought the risk
of keeping the terminal connected was gas gasoline explosion
from carb fumes or flooded carbs.

I faithfully disconnect the battery every time I switch
the car off. Biker bar, gas station, Walgreens, groceries,
garage, Maria's girls, etc.

I then carefully wrap the ends of the battery cables in
heavy plastic so no electricity can escape.

a real pain in the butt if not really required.


d

 

[LastDeadLast]

Dale,

I think you're OK not to do all this. If your electrical system isn't melting your fine.

 

[Guest]

I disconnect mine. I don't trust nothing I can't see!

 

[Brosky]

Dale, I let my car sit for weeks at a time and never have a problem. Are you sure that you don't have a drain in the system?

That run of luck for me will probably end after this winter because the battery will be nearly eight years old, but then, I've gotten my money out of it.

$55.00 / 8 years = $6.875 / 12 months = $0.572 per month.

Not too bad, but nothing lasts forever, so next spring, out it goes.

 

[NickMorgan]

I faithfully disconnect the battery every time I switch
the car off. Biker bar, gas station, Walgreens, groceries,
garage, Maria's girls, etc.

I then carefully wrap the ends of the battery cables in
heavy plastic so no electricity can escape.
d

Dale,
I hope you then bleed the system using the battery drain. If you get an air lock in those cables you may find you have intermitent electrical failure!
Nick

PS Only joking!

 

[Brosky]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] If you get an air lock in those cables you may find you have intermittent electrical failure![/QUOTE]

C'mon Nick, be fair! Dale was just taught how to use a volt/ohm meter and I'm sure that his instructor did not get into bleeding the system down on the early lessons.

If you'll think back a bit, I believe that you'll remember that subject is covered in session 102, not 101.

 

[RobT]

And of course if you have been using a battery charger connected to the mains, you will need to thoroughly flush the electrical system out. This is just a matter of running the car with all the lights on for a while so as to purge out all that AC/Battery charger electricity with good clean electricity from the car's alternator. Failure to do this can result in erratic indicator operation and dull instrument lights.

(Sorry Dale - couldn't resist (pun intended))

Rob.