Oakmaster Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 I'm going to feel a bit dim posting this, and I'm 95% certain my 1955 86” Series one is positive earth, but how can I check? There is a ‘earth strap’ (somewhat flimsy) at the front / bonnet end of the battery tray which leads to a bracket on the engine, and the battery connect or seems to have ‘POSS’ cast onto it. If buying a new battery for a 2L Series one does anyone have any recommendations / advice / words of caution? – should I simply use the biggest I can fit? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 If you can't read the markings on the battery, a multimeter will quickly confirm which is +ve and which is -ve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakmaster Posted March 5, 2013 Author Share Posted March 5, 2013 Ah - But I took the battery off to put on my wifes disco (in the dark) - and then we sold the Disco - My Series II is negative earth (to my suprise) hence the uncertainty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 The posts are different sizes on the battery, that will help I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secondjeremy Posted March 5, 2013 Share Posted March 5, 2013 Series 1 should be positive earth. It'll probably run perfectly well if you put the battery in the wrong way as well but this shouldn't be done accidentally. (To change polarity you may need to remagnetise the dynamo (press cutout flap on regulator down and immediately pull it back) and the coil terminals should be reversed.) Battery is an 069 or 072. Loads of Varta ones available on e-bay for about £60 or slightly less. Next day delivery meant just that when I bought one. The battery is the same size as discoveries, Range Rovers etc (certainly till recently) You should get this size - other similar ones may have terminals the other way round and be difficult to fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakmaster Posted March 6, 2013 Author Share Posted March 6, 2013 Thanks for that - useful advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
javelinadave Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 If you have any radios, inverters, phone chargers or any other 12v gadgets you may want to pull their respected fuses out before you "test fit" a battery. If you get it backwards you may destroy them inadvertently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakmaster Posted April 22, 2013 Author Share Posted April 22, 2013 Returning to this topic - Does anybody have a specific recommendation for a series 1 1955, petrol, battery? Is there a danger of fitting one that is too powerful? and burning out the starter? would anybody care to confirm that the maximum physical size that will fit in the battery box is 302mm (12") long, by 175mm (7") by 225mm (9") high thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 Is there a danger of fitting one that is too powerful? and burning out the starter? Nope, the starter current is determined by the starter, not the battery, fit whatever you like that is 12V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakmaster Posted April 23, 2013 Author Share Posted April 23, 2013 Thanks for the advice - and Apologies for dupicating this post - I just wasnt getting any answers - Im pretty sure I measured the space in the battery tray correctly, But it was dark and wet with a failing headtorch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gassed'58 Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Regarding the battery a Series One only actually needs a low rated one, 55 AH comes to mind as standard fittment. A modern " tiddler " will be just fine but it will look totally out of place in the battery tray so personally I'd have a battery that fully fits and fills the battery tray. Have a black battery as they look more in keeping. As said do ensure that the terminals are orientated correctly to suit the leads as otherwise you'll end up replacing these too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.