MEP-003A Batteries

[Roadracer86]

Ok me again, what is everyone using for batteries on these gensets? 6TL heavy duty cells are $200+! Ouch!!!!! I was reading the TM and claim a 100 amp 6TL are the standard and out of reach for me price wise on a generator I don't know even if it runs.

12V automotive batteries will suffice I'm sure but is there anything I should avoid or any minimum CCA requirement I should look for? I plan on buying two new auto batteries somehwere so I know they are good to go and not screwing around with dead cells etc.

Thanks a bunch everyone!

 

[Crawdaddy]

I also have been wondering if there was another civvy battery that would physically fit the battery tray and hold-down. I have a pair of used 6TLs destined for my set, but I'm not sure how much longer they'll last.

 

[flyxpl]

I buy the cheapest battery at Wallmart that I can find .

 

[glcaines]

I'm running Exide Orbitals in mine. They work great and I got them for a very good price directly from Exide.

 

[iam4thapack]

They do not fit the trays perfectly but I use Group 31 batteries in my set. They were cheap ($75 each) and provide about 95 AH or so with 925 CCA.

 

[Keith_J]

6TLs are only needed for extreme arctic conditions. Regular lawn tractor batteries will start a 003A in mild weather. Might work to sub-zero if you have battery warming blankets and warm the engine.

I've jump started a 003A with dead batteries off a 002A in 30 degree weather.

 

[jbk]

i bought these at walmart $90.00 a piece. they fit the trey. cant use the top hold down, was going to use wire ties. their 66o cca. the stock batties are 650 cca. have had no trouble. group size 34

 

[Roadracer86]

Thanks all. I didn't know if these sets were sensitive to differences in battery power so it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[Roadracer86]

i bought these at walmart $90.00 a piece. they fit the trey. cant use the top hold down, was going to use wire ties. their 66o cca. the stock batties are 650 cca. have had no trouble. group size 34

I have to ask what the inline fuse connectors for off the battery posts?

 

[iam4thapack]

I have to ask what the inline fuse connectors for off the battery posts?

I noticed those as well. I came to the conclusion they were inline quick disconnects for an external battery charger. I will be curious to know if I was correct or not.

 

[jbk]

yes marine 8 amp. battery maintainer

 

[Roadracer86]

Any of you guys using block heaters on these units?

 

[derf]

The little wires are probably a 12v batter maintainer. I think those are quick disconnects and not fuses, as mentioned. I'll also mention that you would want to disconnect that setup before starting or otherwise loading the battery bank (array) with a 24v load.


The key to battery arrays is using identical batteries. If you series two different style, size, or shape batteries then they won't be as happy as two identical batteries in series. If they are different then they won't discharge and charge evenly and are more prone to breakdown and/or cell failure. The generator doesn't care if you use 1 24v battery, two 12v batteries, or 4 6 volt batteries. It just wants about 24v.

 

[derf]

Any of you guys using block heaters on these units?

They have air preheaters. I think you can get by without block heaters. I don't see where it would hurt to use one, though, but the military didn't seem to need them. Or, did they?

 

[derf]

yes marine 8 amp. battery maintainer

12 or 24 volt?

 

[jbk]

duel bank 12, 24 volt 8 amp charger/maintainer. got this oil pan heater havent figured out how to mount on the 003.

 

[derf]

I can't think of a good, flat place to mount that heater.
Let me know if you give tours of your facility. I'm over here in EBRP. I thought I had too many gens. How's that 802? I thought about trying to pick up a newer small set but the prices always go through the roof. I really like my 016D, though, so much so that I'm selling my 701As.

 

[Roadracer86]

duel bank 12, 24 volt 8 amp charger/maintainer. got this oil pan heater havent figured out how to mount on the 003.

Is that pan aluminum or cast iron? Cast iron would allow magnetic pan heaters that would be ideal.

 

[jbk]

ya come out anytime (retired). i am outside french settlement. the 802 ive used since 06 very civilized (quiet) compared to the 002.

 

[derf]

You could stick that heater on the fuel tank but IIRC the bottom of the motor isn't flat enough to make a good mounting place for it.