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  1. #26
    FEP Senior Member gt4494's Avatar
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    Just trying to stay non political but letting others that may not realize the impacts of some of the goverment regulations.

    I am sure there are many others that by one circumstance of another that have several "Dead" batteries laying around. We don't hate recycling but just never get around to doing it..

    Most batteries have a life of 3-5 years. As I understand it has more to do with a) how dead they get before charging. b) proper charging. c) weather conditions. In the south and west the lifespan is shortened by the heat cycles. In the north the life is dependent on the cold cranking cycles.

    Regardless, as life goes on everything costs more since the dollar is worth less. Some things just cost more than other things!
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
    Albert Einstein

    1984 20th Anniversary GT350
    Almost "Stock"

  2. #27

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    I hate the price of batteries. I've been lucky with mine so far. Got a free exide from a friend for my beater. For my fox I have yet to pay for a battery. I worked at a parts store. it happens way more often than not that a customers insists on a new battery when their old one tests fine. So whenever a good "core" would test good and the customer would still buy a new one I would swap it with a bad battery I had at home. I rolled on a free yellowtop for a year. I still have a valucraft that I had in for a few years. It's still good but now I'm running a red top which was also a "core". I no longer work at a parts store so I hope what I have now lasts me forever lol

  3. #28

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    Anyone tried the "battery reconditioning" stuff floating around on the internet? Videos on Youtube show people dumping out the battery acid and adding Epsom salt. Then giving it a slow charge, 36 hours to bring back a basically dead battery.

    Jess
    Previously owned;
    1979 Mustang, v6 swapped to EFI 393, custom installed m122 blower, 4r70w trans, Megasquirt II, T-top swaped in.
    1990 Mustang, 545 BBF, C-4 with brake, ladder bars.
    1983 Mustang, 1984 SVO Mustang
    1984 Mustang convertible, v6 swapped to 351
    1986 Mustang GT, 1989 Mustang GT convertible
    1992 Mustang coupe, 4 swapped to 302

  4. #29
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Lead acid batteries go badas acid slowly eats at the lead plates and it ends up sulfated. You can’t ignore that problem as once it’s toast it’s pretty much toast. Can you meet down and reform plates or swap out bad plates for good or reconditioned? Yes if you can get them apart.

    A lot of the videos about using epsom salt talk about dumping out the battery acid and “cleaning” the battery with baking soda. Yea .... neutralizing the risidual acid in the battery.

    they talk about using epsom salt to clear the sulfated surfaces of the plates. Works — sort of. The chemistry is sound at least.

    Then they put the battery on the charger..... but never replaced the acid. That, of course, is not going to really work.

    Just my experience based upon my time spent fixing up old crappy batteries.....

  5. #30

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    Well I tried it, starting this morning. I had a tired deep cycle battery that wasn't that old but lead a hard life, it just didn't want to charge up all the way. It's charging now, 10 amp was as low of a charge as I could get. Borrowing one, because my charger is a 40 amp digital. I didn't clean out the inside with baking soda as some suggested because I didn't think getting all of it out would be doable. If it doesn't work it's not a big deal, I'll be out $4 for some Epsom salt.

    Jess
    Previously owned;
    1979 Mustang, v6 swapped to EFI 393, custom installed m122 blower, 4r70w trans, Megasquirt II, T-top swaped in.
    1990 Mustang, 545 BBF, C-4 with brake, ladder bars.
    1983 Mustang, 1984 SVO Mustang
    1984 Mustang convertible, v6 swapped to 351
    1986 Mustang GT, 1989 Mustang GT convertible
    1992 Mustang coupe, 4 swapped to 302

  6. #31

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    The epsom salt battery thing didn't work. No big surprise there. The battery seemed to charge fine, but it wouldn't hold the charge long.

    Jess
    Previously owned;
    1979 Mustang, v6 swapped to EFI 393, custom installed m122 blower, 4r70w trans, Megasquirt II, T-top swaped in.
    1990 Mustang, 545 BBF, C-4 with brake, ladder bars.
    1983 Mustang, 1984 SVO Mustang
    1984 Mustang convertible, v6 swapped to 351
    1986 Mustang GT, 1989 Mustang GT convertible
    1992 Mustang coupe, 4 swapped to 302

  7. #32
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Thats nuts
    Get more electricity from a potato

  8. #33
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    I have seen the damage that battery acid can do. I pretty much avoid any contact with it. So that pretty much eliminates any draining and cleaning for me. You can get new battery acid at the auto parts store. Fairly cheap, but $10 here and $5 there and before you know it, you are in for $50 and it may not work or for long.

    Some of the newer chargers have a built in recondition mode. My Ctek has it. Not sure if I Can say it does anything.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  9. #34

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    My charger has it. I lost the directions for the charger though.

    Jess
    Previously owned;
    1979 Mustang, v6 swapped to EFI 393, custom installed m122 blower, 4r70w trans, Megasquirt II, T-top swaped in.
    1990 Mustang, 545 BBF, C-4 with brake, ladder bars.
    1983 Mustang, 1984 SVO Mustang
    1984 Mustang convertible, v6 swapped to 351
    1986 Mustang GT, 1989 Mustang GT convertible
    1992 Mustang coupe, 4 swapped to 302

  10. #35
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    I had to buy a battery a month ago. The only one I could find in stock was Interstate at their store. $150. Out the door.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  11. #36

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    I bought an interstate group 58 for my '86 a couple years ago from Costco for just under $75. Also bought one for my '16 f150 last year - same place. It was a little more pricey (much larger battery)... Around $100, but better than anyone else. If you're a member of Costco, worth taking a look.
    84.5 GT Convertible Build Thread
    86 LX Coupe

  12. #37
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    The last 3-4 batteries I've purchased in the last year or so (for other people's car) have all come from Costco. I think the most I've spent was a tick over $100. Some are down around $80. I haven't found anyone else that can match their prices.
    '89 XR-7 5 Speed
    '95 SC 5 Speed
    '91 Crown Vic P72 351W
    '97 Thunderbird
    '85 Ford LTD Squire

  13. #38
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    86-93 is still a common size as the battery was moved. It’s the 79-85 that’s hard to find. I tried Costco, nothing. I don’t recall all the sizes right now.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  14. #39

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    Quote Originally Posted by KevinK View Post
    86-93 is still a common size as the battery was moved. It’s the 79-85 that’s hard to find. I tried Costco, nothing. I don’t recall all the sizes right now.
    You're correct, KevinK. I tried to get one for my '84 gt with no luck as well. Ended up with the 'super start' O'Reilly special. Stays on the tender most of the time... we'll see how well it holds up.

  15. #40
    FEP Senior Member gt4494's Avatar
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    Everybody here must have short memories.

    The EPA under the last administration stopped all Lead smelting in the US. now if they are lead acid the materials must be imported or from recycled lead item.

    Hence, the price goes up.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
    Albert Einstein

    1984 20th Anniversary GT350
    Almost "Stock"

  16. #41
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    79-85 has several sizes (54,55,61,62,63) but all have been reduced to BXL 56A or BXT56. I bought an Interstate MT-56.
    87-93 shows as BXT58.
    86 is a bit strange showing the same as earlier cars but I’m not convinced at the moment it’s true.

    The difference between the 56 and 58 is the terminals are reversed and slightly different case size.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  17. #42
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Other sizes will fit if tray permits and non-show app.
    Currently have an Exide brand in the more current 96R group battery installed. R= reverse terminal.
    Battery is on pass side, terminals on engine side of battery, away from fender.
    Checked Ford dealer. 65 group for the Ranger last week. Time for another.
    That is where i will get it. BXL series 100.00, BXT series 130. BXT is more commonly stocked.
    Battery group size charts have the case dimensions.

  18. #43
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KevinK View Post
    86 is a bit strange showing the same as earlier cars but I’m not convinced at the moment it’s true.

    .
    I would assume the SEFI 86 would be same as 87+. Maybe the CFI 86 had the older style.?
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  19. #44
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    dp sorry
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  20. #45
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    I almost forgot about this, update on the batt; I gave the local Ford dealership a 'ratty' DieHard battery, and in return, left with a fresh Motorcraft, $108.00 OTD. I was quite pleased

  21. #46
    FEP Senior Member OX1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bryan Knebworth View Post
    I almost forgot about this, update on the batt; I gave the local Ford dealership a 'ratty' DieHard battery, and in return, left with a fresh Motorcraft, $108.00 OTD. I was quite pleased
    That's not bad deal. Might be time to get a new one for the Capri.
    That battery is the only one thin enough to fit inside my bobcat.
    So the old one's (if still good) don't go to waste.
    86 Capri, 5.0, 5Spd, A9L QH/BE, 47 lb Inj PMAS 3" MAF, Single T44 Turbo, Front Mount IC, TW170,
    Stock Cam, Explr Intake/TB, 1.7 Rockers, CF dual friction clutch, 3" DP, 2.5" full Exh, 3.27, 11.932 @ 115.78
    84 LTD, 331-10:1, TW170/Exprl Intake, 47 lbs inj/80 mm LMAF, Full Duals, Quarterhorse, Vortech 7PSI, Lentech AOD, 5 lug Mk VII brakes/rear, Eibach Sway bars, Cobra HB (dads ride, but I fix it )

  22. #47
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    Was there a promotion or discount at the dealer?
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  23. #48
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    haha, thanks Jim. I used to be able to get brand new batteries for around $80 OTD, going all the way back to the 1980's, price was always the same. Today, thanks to that company Johnson-something-or-other, those days seem long gone. I purchased that ratty DieHard brand new when I acquired my GT in Oct '11. It served me well. I remember that time b/c we in New England had this really crazy snowstorm dubbed 'The Halloween Snowstorm!' Downed all kinds of trees and branches, power lines. Just by chance, I purchased this car one day before when the weather was nice--how lucky!

    To Kevin; no promotion/discount, just went in the right place at the right time.
    Last edited by Bryan Knebworth; 03-27-2020 at 01:26 AM. Reason: text added

  24. #49
    FEP Senior Member OX1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bryan Knebworth View Post

    To Kevin; no promotion/discount, just went in the right place at the right time.
    I guess the question is, was that right time, "recently"??
    86 Capri, 5.0, 5Spd, A9L QH/BE, 47 lb Inj PMAS 3" MAF, Single T44 Turbo, Front Mount IC, TW170,
    Stock Cam, Explr Intake/TB, 1.7 Rockers, CF dual friction clutch, 3" DP, 2.5" full Exh, 3.27, 11.932 @ 115.78
    84 LTD, 331-10:1, TW170/Exprl Intake, 47 lbs inj/80 mm LMAF, Full Duals, Quarterhorse, Vortech 7PSI, Lentech AOD, 5 lug Mk VII brakes/rear, Eibach Sway bars, Cobra HB (dads ride, but I fix it )

  25. #50
    FEP Super Member Bryan Knebworth's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by OX1 View Post
    I guess the question is, was that right time, "recently"??
    To you BOTH, August 2018. I had a chance to get an Interstate battery for a buck-twenty, but I didn't want that ugly-A##, bright green battery under my hood

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