Hey fellow truckers-

just wanted some info on purchasing a new battery for my '93 250 4x2 AT. I purchased the truck 7 months ago and I noticed the last couple of months how much corrosion is all over the battery and terminals lately. I cleaned them off, but it keeps appearing every day! Also, the battery almost looks original: its a Mopar and it looks pretty bad. In the morning it when its about 35' outside it barely turns over. Any suggestions as to what brand battery I should buy since this is my first diesel? Any help would be appreciated. ps- planjane is just the name of my truck. i'm a guy!

 

As far as batteries go, you need to find a heavy duty battery supplier. Like a farm supply store or a truck shop or a dealership for Freightliner, International etc. to be able to get a good 1125 CCA battery. The 1000's they sell at the cheap stores won't last and don't provide the amps long enough to run the heaters and the starter. Also the compact 1000's have the plates so close together inside, the vibration kills them.

Spend the good money once. The ones I have ran about $120 each ( I have 2)..

J-eh

 

thanks for the info! Fortunately, I live in "farm country" out here in Modesto, CA. I'm sure I can find a battery around here somewhere. There are also big truck stores around here. I was just concerned about buying from the wrong dealer/person and getting taken and then having to replace it a year down the road. Thanks again, and I guess I'll be looking around tomorrow!

 

After all the batteries I had bought over the years the best I found in the market is interstate

 

how weird, i've heard just the opposite! however, those who complained were talking about gas motors. do you think that would make a difference?

 

We are taking truck batteries not car. Last ones I bought where the 1200 truck ones group 31 you have to check hood clearance.

 

Bought a NAPA 1225 for my 89 when it want bad and never had a problem. I think either two or three batteries on ten years.
I put two NAPA's in my 95 also when they went bad.
Just put two new NAPA Legends in my current truck last year. No problems.

 

I would change it soon too. I waited to long and had mine literally explode on me one cold morning sending battery acid all over my engine compartment. Not a good start for the day.

 

Mine's a rebranded Exide sold through a local chain called American Battery Co. 1300 CCA, as I recall. Did great this afternoon, 25 degrees and no intake heater, it fired right up anyway.

 

The interstate in my truck is working fine.

 

I had a lot of trouble in picking up corrosion on my battery terminals, but I've had luck with some anti-corrosion treatment that I picked up at Wal-Mart (of all places).

It's a red colored liquid that comes in an aerosol can (I'll have to look for my can to get the name). It forms a gel coat layer over the terminals and has been doing a good job blocking out the corrosion. I've used some other stuff before that looked like yellow paint, but it seemed to only stop it for a little while before the corrosion came back.

 

Call me crazy but i have two Wal-Mart Ever-Start maxx-1 batteries in my CTD. Have had them in there for just about a year. No problems yet.

 

Best dang battery in the whole dang universe!

 

We've got one of these in a '72 Toyota jeep at the house that we use for a hunting/off-road vehicle when needed. It will sometimes go for months without being started or run, but that battery hasn't given us any problems. Plus, if I remember correctly, the warranty on those batteries isn't too bad either.

In my truck I've got Duralast batteries from AutoZone. They came with an 8-year warranty, so I figured when I shake the life outta them at least I'll get some money back.

 

In my truck I've got Duralast batteries from AutoZone. They came with an 8-year warranty, so I figured when I shake the life outta them at least I'll get some money back. [/B][/QUOTE]

How long now? Mines starting it's second winter and I'm gonna send it back.