Westco battery, which charger ?
Discussion
I have a Bosch S5 063 (5 year guarantee) on mine. It's a wet cell battery but fully sealed so no acid fumes. It's been spot on so far, couple of years with little use. Amazon seems to be the best place to buy at the moment...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Car-Battery-Type-063...
I had to lose the battery tray and replace with an old sponge but otherwise it fitted fine.
I have also heard good things about Eurocarparts own brand Lion batteries. I hear they fit perfectly. They are also very very cheap at the moment...
http://www.eurocarparts.com/063-car-batteries
I have an Optimate 4 battery charger. I think I got it from eBay for something around £40...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Car-Battery-Type-063...
I had to lose the battery tray and replace with an old sponge but otherwise it fitted fine.
I have also heard good things about Eurocarparts own brand Lion batteries. I hear they fit perfectly. They are also very very cheap at the moment...
http://www.eurocarparts.com/063-car-batteries
I have an Optimate 4 battery charger. I think I got it from eBay for something around £40...
Sorry mate - poxy thread notifications dont work so didnt see you had replied!!
I personally havent modified anything for my bosch. it sits in the plastic tray and is anchored down by the metal bar, which i have added a 2nd nut onto so it doesnt work loose. There isnt really a spot for the bar to rest in so i have just clamped it over the top and it sbeen fine since installation. Added some hose to the side vent holes - i have no idea if they are functional but have done it anyway.
I dont want to piss on your parade but that battery you have there has an inferior CCA rating. The bosch has a 520CCA (Cold cranking amps). From what i understand and have seen is it can sit for longer and still get the old girl started. I think the CCA on yours is 330. If its a daily then i think it should be ok but if its sat you might find that battery doesnt last a huge amount of time!
I say that as i had a westco - rubbish battery and lasted only 2 years. My bosch is generally sat idle for weeks on end and its received a couple of charges via the CTEK intelligent charger when its stopped starting and works perfectly afterwards.
I said this before but if anyone has their cars sat for weeks/months a CTEK is a great investment. Reconditions the battery and brings them back which standard chargers cant do.
EDIT: Just remembered i emailed Bosch back in 2013 asking about the vents (in case this helps anyone!!)
"There are two 6mm vent holes, one at each end of the battery. These allow necessary gases to exit the battery. When a battery is installed outside of the cabin, or under the bonnet, both holes can be left empty.
If a battery is installed inside a vehicle’s cabin or is in the boot, one vent hole should be sealed with a vent plug. 1 vent plug is provided with each Bosch battery and is usually connected to the pole cap. The other vent hole should be connected to a vent pipe, which takes the gases to the outside of the vehicle and protects the driver and or passengers from potentially poisonous gases"
I personally havent modified anything for my bosch. it sits in the plastic tray and is anchored down by the metal bar, which i have added a 2nd nut onto so it doesnt work loose. There isnt really a spot for the bar to rest in so i have just clamped it over the top and it sbeen fine since installation. Added some hose to the side vent holes - i have no idea if they are functional but have done it anyway.
I dont want to piss on your parade but that battery you have there has an inferior CCA rating. The bosch has a 520CCA (Cold cranking amps). From what i understand and have seen is it can sit for longer and still get the old girl started. I think the CCA on yours is 330. If its a daily then i think it should be ok but if its sat you might find that battery doesnt last a huge amount of time!
I say that as i had a westco - rubbish battery and lasted only 2 years. My bosch is generally sat idle for weeks on end and its received a couple of charges via the CTEK intelligent charger when its stopped starting and works perfectly afterwards.
I said this before but if anyone has their cars sat for weeks/months a CTEK is a great investment. Reconditions the battery and brings them back which standard chargers cant do.
EDIT: Just remembered i emailed Bosch back in 2013 asking about the vents (in case this helps anyone!!)
"There are two 6mm vent holes, one at each end of the battery. These allow necessary gases to exit the battery. When a battery is installed outside of the cabin, or under the bonnet, both holes can be left empty.
If a battery is installed inside a vehicle’s cabin or is in the boot, one vent hole should be sealed with a vent plug. 1 vent plug is provided with each Bosch battery and is usually connected to the pole cap. The other vent hole should be connected to a vent pipe, which takes the gases to the outside of the vehicle and protects the driver and or passengers from potentially poisonous gases"
Edited by J-Tuner on Thursday 19th November 13:45
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