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Offline MikeP

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battery group size and how many cca
« on: December 12, 2019, 11:43:20 PM »
so this topic im sure has been beat to death but there is still no real answer that i have come across, when switching to a 12v battery what group size is the most correct fitting for the battery hold downs as there are a couple different sizes for our jeeps that may fit and i currently have a cj3a battery tray and i plan on using the willys mb battery hold down because it allows for a bigger battery and a 36r battery seems to fit darn near exact and thus brings up the next topic of how much cold cranking amps are needed to crank a 6v starter using 12v in say 20 degree avg temps because it seems the 36r only comes with 650cca
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Offline SteveKfl

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Re: battery group size and how many cca
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2019, 06:21:11 AM »
 I found the following... I hope it helps.
What Does Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) Mean On A Car Battery?
https://batterymanguide.com/what-does-cold-cranking-amps-mean

Dec 22, 2018 · CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps. It is a battery industry rating used to determine the ability of the battery to start or crank up an engine when the weather is cold. Specifically, it refers to the amps that can be delivered by a 12-volt battery for 30 seconds at 0°F or -18ºC and at the same time maintain a minimum voltage of 7.2 volts.
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Offline oldtime

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Re: battery group size and how many cca
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2019, 10:27:00 AM »
I normally prefer the largest battery that fits well, the group 24F.
The Group 34R also fits very well and is 1" shorter than the 24F.

Either will have ample CCA if you don't run an electric winch too much..

If you bend the tabs down on the tray you can also stuff in the longer group 27F.

Offline Rus Curtis

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Re: battery group size and how many cca
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2019, 10:40:19 AM »
There is a lot of information available - not just limited to jeeps.  To address the simple question, the size is defined by your tray and hold down.

Here's just one site that gives you measurements (other sites are out there):
https://www.batteryequivalents.com/bci-battery-group-size-chart.html

A PO snapped off the tabs of my tray on one side, so I could go with a larger case if I wanted.  I chose a common size for availability. 

The only other physical feature you'd want to look for is post orientation - so that when sitting in your tray, the cables easily reach.

Googling CCA can help with addressing cranking power.  Here's one with information I'd never seen before:
https://www.osbornauto.com/faq-battery-size

This suggests for a 134 cu in. engine it doesn't need to be too high. 

I learned way back when more CCA's was an upgrade sales tactic.  Back then, I'd go lower than the best to help out with my college student bank account. 

Since case size is a limit, increasing CCA's suggests more (and thinner) plates to where jarring/vibration could become a factor.  Some batteries, e.g. Optima,  address this.

When you dig, you'll notice there are other factors that will affect cranking:  temperature, oil viscosity, cable condition/size, engine condition (tune up), etc.

I can confirm that a 12V battery will turn a 6V starter real fast.  I know this will shorten the starter's life and most likely wear the ring gear more too.

My current battery, bought at the local parts store-just down the street, has 650 CCA's which is overkill.  It's price was reasonable and readily available.
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