Proper batteries for Volvo Penta 5.7Gxi-C

[5.7Gxi-C]

Hi, I want to make sure I am using the proper batteries for my Volvo Penta 5.7Gxi-C-DP so that I do not cause any damage to any of my starter-systems or electrical systems.

I have owned the boat (2011 Chaparral 267 SSX) for 10 years and never had any issues, but I just replaced the entire motor and want to make sure the batteries are correct, as I have seen that this particular motor does require specifically sized/type batteries.

My current batteries I installed 18 months ago and am having no issues on crank, voltage, or otherwise.

They are West Marine, Group 24, AGM, Dual-Purpose batteries, with 800 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA's). Model # 15020233 | Mfg # WM8A24M.

I have seen some posts that this motor needs a GROUP 27, but have no confirmation from Volvo Penta on that.

I am trying to confirm that these batteries are fully sufficient in term of cranking power/amps, that it's OK to use AGM batteries with this motor (versus "Flooded-Lead") and my current batteries (above) will not cause any issues with this particular Volvo Penta Motor.

Thanks !!!

 

[dingbat]

Hi, I want to make sure I am using the proper batteries for my Volvo Penta 5.7Gxi-C-DP so that I do not cause any damage to any of my starter-systems or electrical systems.

I have owned the boat (2011 Chaparral 267 SSX) for 10 years and never had any issues, but I just replaced the entire motor and want to make sure the batteries are correct, as I have seen that this particular motor does require specifically sized/type batteries.

My current batteries I installed 18 months ago and am having no issues on crank, voltage, or otherwise.

They are West Marine, Group 24, AGM, Dual-Purpose batteries, with 800 Marine Cranking Amps (MCA's). Model # 15020233 | Mfg # WM8A24M.

I have seen some posts that this motor needs a GROUP 27, but have no confirmation from Volvo Penta on that.

I am trying to confirm that these batteries are fully sufficient in term of cranking power/amps, that it's OK to use AGM batteries with this motor (versus "Flooded-Lead") and my current batteries (above) will not cause any issues with this particular Volvo Penta Motor.

Thanks !!!

From your manual:
"The engine starting battery must be a heavy duty, 12-volt, 650 CCA battery."

As long as you don't boat when the temp is below 32F, you will not have a problem what you have

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiM0qfBxN3vAhXnGFkFHYe2ANMQFjAAegQIAhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubs.volvopenta.com%2Fpublications%2F7741591&usg=AOvVaw1-K2iYgaQQGaNYYSrd3hcw

 

[5.7Gxi-C]

From your manual:
"The engine starting battery must be a heavy duty, 12-volt, 650 CCA battery."

As long as you don't boat when the temp is below 32F, you will not have a problem what you have

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiM0qfBxN3vAhXnGFkFHYe2ANMQFjAAegQIAhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubs.volvopenta.com%2Fpublications%2F7741591&usg=AOvVaw1-K2iYgaQQGaNYYSrd3hcw

Hi DB, thanks for the fast reply (and the pdf, as my manual is another location). Hey, the 2 batteries in the boat (18 moths old) are actually rated at 525CCA and 650MCA with 135 minutes Reserve. They are Dual-Purpose, AGM. I live in Clearwater FLA, so never cold starts. Just do not want to cause any issues to the ECM using batteries that are only rated 525CCA. Thoughts on whether these are still OK ? Or, should I just replace 1 of them (The #1 - Starting Position Battery) with a new Group 24, AGM, Cranking-Battery that has like 800CCA and 1000MCA ? Or, is Flooded/Sealed preferred over AGM ?

 

[dingbat]

Hi DB, thanks for the fast reply (and the pdf, as my manual is another location). Hey, the 2 batteries in the boat (18 moths old) are actually rated at 525CCA and 650MCA with 135 minutes Reserve. They are Dual-Purpose, AGM. I live in Clearwater FLA, so never cold starts. Just do not want to cause any issues to the ECM using batteries that are only rated 525CCA. Thoughts on whether these are still OK ? Or, should I just replace 1 of them (The #1 - Starting Position Battery) with a new Group 24, AGM, Cranking-Battery that has like 800CCA and 1000MCA ? Or, is Flooded/Sealed preferred over AGM ?

If you have been using them for 18 months and you have not had issues to date, I wouldn't worry about it. Use them until they die and replace with grp. 27 batteries.

Not going to damage anything from the resulting under voltage condition. It's just not going to start. If worst come to worst, put the battery switch on "Both" and you have @ 1,050 CCA at your disposal

Not a fan of AGM. Ran them in my truck for a number years. Three out of three failed before the 3 year, free replacement warranty was up. Replaced therm under warranty and they lasted another 3 years before they bit the dust again. I like the warenty, but six years for almost 3X the price of lead acid isn't a bargain in my book.

Picking up a set of new batteries for my boat on the way home from work to replace a pair of lead acid deep cycles with 2010 and 2011 date codes. They still load test but starting leak at the terminal posts.......they owe me nothing

 

[5.7Gxi-C]

If you have been using them for 18 months and you have not had issues to date, I wouldn't worry about it. Use them until they die and replace with grp. 27 batteries.

Not going to damage anything from the resulting under voltage condition. It's just not going to start. If worst come to worst, put the battery switch on "Both" and you have @ 1,050 CCA at your disposal

Not a fan of AGM. Ran them in my truck for a number years. Three out of three failed before the 3 year, free replacement warranty was up. Replaced therm under warranty and they lasted another 3 years before they bit the dust again. I like the warenty, but six years for almost 3X the price of lead acid isn't a bargain in my book.

Picking up a set of new batteries for my boat on the way home from work to replace a pair of lead acid deep cycles with 2010 and 2011 date codes. They still load test but starting leak at the terminal posts.......they owe me nothin

 

[5.7Gxi-C]

Great advice. And actually, I always have turned my switch to both batteries when I start. I run it like that (most of our runs are less than 45 minutes) and then when we anchor and chill for the day, I switch it to Battery 2 to run the stereo. Then back to both batteries to restart and run home. Makes me feel a bit better not knowing that using both to start actually provides more/combined CCA (and MCA), so not to damage the ECM. Will replace both batteries in DEC with a 27 Cranking/Starting Battery (#1) and a 27 Dual-Purpose Battery (#2) - both flooded/sealed this time Safe boating....!

 

[lrdchaos]

I just went through this battery selection process and ended up with a true cranking battery and a true deep cycle battery, not a dual purpose. A true deep cycle battery will have a longer reserve capacity for running electronics than a dual purpose battery, the dc battery will also last longer(more recharges) than the dual purpose. Maybe something to think about since you have a dual battery setup.
My 350 mag requires 750 cca, so I went with a group 31 battery with 1000cca and a group 31 xs power DC battery. Probably a little overkill, but I like the extra juice when I’ve been on the water all day.