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Cranking my 2002 Volvo penta 18hp

Mar 14, '07 2:58 PM
by lumina1976 for everyone

Hi everyone,

I've planned to install a new cranking battery in my ballad and I'd like to know what is the right size that I should buy. Is it ok, for example, to use a 450 cranking Amp? Is it better to use a more powerful battery?

My engine is a Volvo Penta 2002, 18hp.

I also want to buy a power pack to start the engine in case of emergency. Is someone know what is the minimum power that I should have to start my engine?

Thank you!

Pat

Lumina, Ballad #819.

Tags: electrical

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5 CommentsChronological Reverse Threaded

msn-patentnick1 wrote on Mar 14, '07

Hi Pat:

A battery of 450 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is OK, if a little on the small side. I have a similar battery on my 3-cylinder, 25hp Sole diesel and have had no problems starting. Mind you, I also power a 1000W windlass with the same battery (always with the engine running, of course). Ideally, a battery of greater capacity would be called for but I have a pretty sophisticated battery charging/management system on board so I know that my batteries are always in a perfect state. To me, it's more important to have a battery that has a very low self-discharge rate so that you can start your engine even after a long lay-up period. The best batteries in that respect are of the AGM kind (like Optima Red Top). They're not cheap but they pack a lot of energy in a small size--730CCA for the smallest unit. This is what I would consider if I had to change my starting battery. Second-best is any good brand of sealed lead-acid battery (Delphi, etc). I don't know what else you use your starting battery for nor what kind of service battery(ies) you have. Check out www.barden-uk.com and www.power-store.com, as they have a lot of different types. Let me know if you need more info.

Nicholas

"Moments of Clarity" #334

msn-lumina1976 wrote on Mar 16, '07

Thank you Nicholas for the information.

Actually, I have a single bank that I use for cranking and housing. I have two lead-acid deep cycle batteries that gives me 240 Ah. That is perfect for my needs. I'm sailing on St.Laurence river in Canada where I spend no more that 48 hours without docking. I figure that I don't need to have a sophisticated installation.

Considering this, I decided to replace the two old batteries by similar one that will be OK for my needs.

The only thing I worry about is the fact that if, for a reason or another, my single bank is completely discharge and I'm not able to crank my engine. I what to have a second solution to start my engine. I plan to buy a portable power pack that provides 1200 CCA and to leave it my Ballad, just in case. The informations that you give me confirm that my emergency solution will works.

Pat

Lumina, #819

msn-josin3092 wrote on Mar 18, '07

Several seasons experience in Josin and ten years in diesel engine'd cars confirm that an Optima Red Top is a very good starting battery indeed.

Mine is mounted under the port quarter berth at the forward end, thus leads are very short. Two 'domestic' batteries, sealed type, are in the traditional place, coupled in parallel. Volvo Penta diode isolator/charge diverter. Alternator senses dometic battery voltage.

Never any problems.

Am planning a longer trip up the Norwegian west coast this summer and am considering installing a battery condition monitor, just to be sure!

msn-patentnick1 wrote on Mar 19, '07

Hi guys,

Having real deep-cycle batteries for service is great--if you can find them. In Greece, I couldn't find true deep-cycle batteries anywhere and I didn't fancy importing 60kg of lead from the U.K. I make do with a pair of Delco sealed lead acid of 102AH each, plus a dedicated starter battery. Pat, you can find a small, high CCA starter battery for the same price as an emergency starting kit. Both will need to be charged anyway, so why not have one already hard-wired? As a side issue, I'd like to mention that I've been toying with LED replacement bulbs--it's astonishing how little power they consume. I replaced the two bulbs in my red saloon light (the one I use when sailing at night) with LEDs and consumption went from 2amps to virtually 0. It wouldn't even register on the battery monitor. When I manage to replace all the rest I'll post a note.

-Nicholas

"Moments of Clarity"

msn-lumina1976 wrote on Mar 20, '07

Hi Nicholas,

I'll consider a hard-wired solution : it's probably more expensive than my portable power pack... But even if it's a little bit more expensive, may be you're right and it's probably a better solution.

Thank you!

Pat,

Lumina, Ballad #819

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