mep002a battery question

[Hectorsosa]

quick question - I need to get a dedicated set of batteries for my mep002a. Original spec says the milspec batteries are 12 volt 445 cca. The bigger garden tractor batteries are 400 cca, and given the cost they're hard not to consider. Has anybody used two small batteries to start their 002?

 

[jamawieb]

Yes several people have but if your in a cold environment, the lawn mower batteries don't cut it. 51 series batteries are the perfect fit and usually can be purchased for $78 at tractor supply.

 

[Bmxenbrett]

I havr started a mep803a in -10* weather with 340cca batterys. Glow plugs used for about 35sec then cranked. I know its a different unit but its still about the same size engine. There was no lack of power on cranking it either.

 

[Triple Jim]

Group 51 batteries are currently $85 each at Tractor Supply. Let's hope he's in a warm part of Michigan.

 

[Hectorsosa]

unit is sorta kinda inside - unheated outbuilding. I've got a couple 1000+ cca batteries I've been using, but those need to settle in to their permanent homes in the travel trailer and the ham radio standby power setup. I can get the 400cca batteries for $25 each with core, so I was kinda hoping they were big enough. Maybe I should buy four of them, but then they don't fit the oem trays.....

 

[jamawieb]

I havr started a mep803a in -10* weather with 340cca batterys. Glow plugs used for about 35sec then cranked. I know its a different unit but its still about the same size engine. There was no lack of power on cranking it either.

The 802a and 803a units start a lot easier than the older 00xa models. About the same hp but 2 totally different engines. The biggest difference is the newer motors have direct injection and the older motors shoot fuel into the head, then its sucked into the cylinder.

 

[Guyfang]

If your gen set was in a nice heated building I would say get the cheap batteries. But it's not, and it can get a tad chilly where you live. There are several tricks you can use to get around paying a little more money. But after using them several time, you most certainly would be cursing yourself. Or worse, having to listen to your wife tell you, "I told you so!" If you just shop around, you will find some 445 CCA, (or better) so do it right, and only once.

 

[Chainbreaker]

I use the MT-51 Interstate 500 CCA batteries in all my -002's. They are pricey ~$100 ea. but they are reliable and spin the -002's over quite nicely.




I also have them on (2) 12V Battery Minders so they are always ready for action.