Community Forums

darbyjudy · 10-23-2015, 03:30 PM

I have noticed for several months that my engine cranks slow when it is hot. 2004 W22 workhorse 8.1, I think it might be the battery. Not having enough cranking amps. I have looked on line at some of the available group 78 batterys. I would like to find one that has at least 800 cranking amps at 0 degrees. I notice that Pep Boys sell Bosch batterys and show one that would fit my need. What type has the rest of you used with good results.

mgscott4 · 10-23-2015, 03:38 PM

What makes you think you need more cranking amps than the original design? Your starter is getting older, maybe your starter is going out on you.

Have you cleaned your connections? I would start there. Don,t forget to clean the other end of the ground cable too.

Rocky Larson · 10-23-2015, 04:35 PM

I replaced mine with an OEM. I believe it was a GM AC Delco.

DriVer · 10-29-2015, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darbyjudy

What type has the rest of you used with good results.

I'm using a Interstate battery.

darbyjudy · 10-30-2015, 07:27 AM

I was looking at the batteries at local Wal Mart and I see they have a group 79, which is a side terminal like the 78 only it is a little longer. The cranking amps on it was listed at 800. The only reason I was thinking about Wal Mart is you can get adjusted anywhere if it should fail.

edgray · 10-30-2015, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darbyjudy

I was looking at the batteries at local Wal Mart and I see they have a group 79, which is a side terminal like the 78 only it is a little longer. The cranking amps on it was listed at 800. The only reason I was thinking about Wal Mart is you can get adjusted anywhere if it should fail.

That is the exact battery I bought recently to replace my OE "Workhorse" branded battery. The WM MAXX 79 comes with 3 year free replacement + additional 2 years pro-rated. The additional length was not a problem but was a bit tighter fit than the original due to WBGO putting the batteries under the entry steps.

The fact that the OE battery lasted over six years and 43,000 miles is amazing to me. The house batteries provided by WBGO sure didn't.

wa8yxm · 10-30-2015, 05:07 PM

Three (or 4) possible causes of slow cranking when HOt
1: Battery nearing end of life
2: Bad (dirty) connections
3: Starter nearing end of life (Happened to me a few times on cars).

In theory charging system issues might cause it but then I'd doubt you would start when cold.

Arch Hoagland · 10-31-2015, 12:23 AM

I put a Walmart battery in mine about 5 years ago and it still cranks right over.

I have a battery disconnect switch that disconnects it completely while not in use.

If I forget to disconnect it the battery will drain in about 2 weeks and won't start the engine.

vsheetz · 10-31-2015, 01:02 AM

I have moved all our vehicles (Motorhome, truck, jeep, DW's car) to Walmart batteries over the past several years. Good experiences.

Very reasonably priced, strong warranty, serviced most everywhere.

LETMGROW · 10-31-2015, 05:24 PM

I buy all my batteries from NAPA. The battery you would ask for would be a 8478. It has a 24 month full replacement warranty as well as an 84 month pro rated warranty. NAPA stores are everywhere nationwide. Their batteries are made by Deka which is a division of Johnson controls. Their warranty rate is very low. Most of the problems I have seen has been a result of someone leaving something on and running the battery dead then it freezes and ruins it.
Honestly I call the Wal-Mart Ever start batteries "Never Start". I have seen failures of these in a short time although once in a while you might come across a good one.
Lynn

Oemtech · 11-04-2015, 09:55 PM

I have a Wally World battery and have no issues. I will pull the starter and have it tested.

chboone · 11-04-2015, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darbyjudy

I was looking at the batteries at local Wal Mart and I see they have a group 79, which is a side terminal like the 78 only it is a little longer. The cranking amps on it was listed at 800. The only reason I was thinking about Wal Mart is you can get adjusted anywhere if it should fail.

Plus 3 years free replacement, not pro rated. I use Walmart starting batteries in all my vehicles. My last one lasted 4.5 years in coach, wouldn't hold a charge, my fault had killed it a few times. They gave me a small amount toward new battery.