Jack_of_Trades

iTrader: (17)

This is where things went wrong. That's the improper way to store ANY car battery. A car battery just sitting loses its charge over time,no matter what kind it is,regardless if its connected to anything or not. The difference is in the battery type. Lead-Acid batteries do not rebound from being fully discharged like deep cycle batteries can(Optima Batteries for example). Once you fully discharge a lead-acid battery, its never going to perform at 100% like it did originally, it gets MUCH worse after multiple discharges too. Whenever you are going to remove a car battery for more than a week, you need a Battery Tender Jr. to keep the battery from naturally discharging. Its best to keep the battery indoors in colder climates (ideally between 65*-85*F). If you are going to have the battery out for long periods of time, its best to check on it once a week while connected to the Battery Tender Jr.

You need to do a current draw test so we have some numbers to work with. This LINK is a basic rundown on how to test it. Be sure to move the leads on your meter to the proper ports before testing AMPS. Most meters require you to change the leads around for current measuring. Use the highest current rating that the meter will measure first and then work your way down. Most meters have built-in fuses that will blow if you draw too much current on the wrong setting so its best to start high and work your way down.

Another thing to test is for any voltage drop between your car battery and the starter. Here is a good page to describe how to test voltage drop between the battery and the starter:

http://www.aa1car.com/library/voltage_drop_testing.htm

You want all of the power actually getting to the starter. With such a small battery, don't make it work harder than it needs to.

cyberevo

Well said.

With such a small battery, don't make it work harder than it needs to

thisxguy

iTrader: (17)

interesting. i'll take a look at this thrad later. but seems like the Deka is holding up well

xmaciek82x

iTrader: (14)

So how long does a small battery like this last? Will it turn in negative degree Chicago winter? I think my stock IX battery is about to go soon.

Slo_crx1

iTrader: (9)

Considering I did this battery swap last year around February during the coldest months where I live, and it's still going strong on an every other day basis, I'd say a decent length of time. It's getting pretty cold again by me and I still haven't gotten any type of hesitation during turnover.

xmaciek82x

iTrader: (14)

^ good to know. Thanks

94AWDcoupe

iTrader: (125)

I have been using walmart lawmower batteries in two cars for several years now. they weigh 14lbs are like 25$. they consistently last about 1.5 years. then I just go buy a new one. they are 275cc amps.
I also found a new battery that I havent seen anyone use. I will make a new thread about. It is same size as this lawnmower battery but with 475cc amps. Its sealed cell and is a little more expensive at 90$. bit it comes with 3 year free replacement warranty so i want to try it next.

SPANKED

iTrader: (2)

Does anyone know what trays fit the Deka14 or Deka20 batteries? Saikou Michi doesn't seem to sell the battery trays anymore. The Muse tray looks like a bargain deal but not sure of quality and fitment with the Deka batteries.

AlwaysinBoost

iTrader: (17)

great thread.

I have a Deka, forget which model but it's very small, in my EVO and have been very happy with it. Recently I let the car sit from the beginning of Oct to the end of Dec and had no problem starting it right up. Previously I was running a PC680 and that lasted me 4 years. Only reason I didn't go with another was because the deka was cheaper and lighter. I'm even using the stock tray with a hold-down from pep-boys. Total cost for the battery and hold-down was less than $70, lol.

BluEVOIX

iTrader: (69)

Just ordered the etx 20L because of the Chicago cold. Hopefully it gets here before my battery completely goes. Its starting to really crap out now and barely turns.

I'll update once I get it. Thanks to the threads starter and peoples feed back here.

Pure EvoIX

iTrader: (7)

I have a Deka ETX-14 too and love it. $60 ftw. I also have this mounting hardware from Saikou Michi (red). http://www.saikoumichi.com/evo_etx14_tray.html

Longest I left the car without starting is 6 days. So far so good, 6 months.

Wiznaz

iTrader: (13)

My car really doesn't like the ETX14 when it's cold. I'll be on my third one unless I go larger. I think there may be too much 'draw' from electronics in the car though. I dunno how some of you guys can let your car sit for a week in the winter and crank her up without any issues. After 24 hours, I was taking a gamble. I've been cruising around with the stock battery now without any problems.

As for battery trays, I just used one of the Braille trays and drilled new holes. That Saikoumichi tray looks good too though.

b16a2delsol

iTrader: (1)

I'm at the year mark with my deka 11.5 pound beast. My car has never had a start up problem even when it was 3° outside. I jump people all the time . Its sweet.

Butttttttt....... it is a ***** trying to tune my car because I have to turn everything off or else I cannot download maps . Other than that there is nothing like having a battery that weighs 25 lbs less than stock

SPANKED

iTrader: (2)

You needed to drill new holes cause the battery is wider right? So you drilled and tapped new holes for the posts that tie the battery down? Thanks.

SPANKED

iTrader: (2)

Do you daily drive your car? Do you also use a battery tender?