what size battery do i need??

eringgold84

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Jan 29, 2014
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14
I have a battery with 625 CCA but it doesn't seem turn the engine over very well. Bought the battery brand new. Would getting a battery with a higher CCA be OK? How high should I go?
 

Fun Times

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Re: what size battery do i need??

Hi there, Generally speaking you'll be fine going with a bigger battery.

What's more important though to know would be what engine model and year do you have to help figure out the correct size battery you need? And are you running a lot of "extra" electrical equipment?

Also you'll want to check the condition of the battery cables and cable end connectors to see if they are good, clean, corrosion free and tight. No wing nuts either as they have an tendency become loose.
 
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tazrig

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Dec 20, 2012
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1,752
Re: what size battery do i need??

Unless you have a small motor 625cca really isn't a big battery. Each type and size of engine has a specific size that they recommend. as asked above what make model and year engine do you have and what kind of electronics are you running?
 

eringgold84

Cadet
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Messages
14
Re: what size battery do i need??

Hi there, Generally speaking you'll be fine going with a bigger battery.

What's more important though to know would be what engine model and year do you have to help figure out the correct size battery you need? And are you running a lot of "extra" electrical equipment?

Also you'll want to check the condition of the battery cables and cable end connectors to see if they are good, clean, corrosion free and tight. No wing nuts either as they have an tendency become loose.

I have a 1983 Chris Craft scorpion 168. It has a 140 mercruiser. Cables are in good condition and clean. I'm not running any extra electrical stuff, just don't want to run out of juice while on the water. In my experience, older engines, even the well maintained ones, sometimes have a harder time starting. Would going above the recomended cca hurt/damage the boat?
 

Georgesalmon

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Apr 14, 2012
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1,793
Re: what size battery do i need??

You can get the largest battery that will fit your budget and you have room for. It won't hurt anything, the motor and such will only draw what it needs and no more. Just because you have a million amp battery doesn't mean that your electrical will draw a million amps (unless you have a short of course).
 

Bondo

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Re: what size battery do i need??

You can get the largest battery that will fit your budget and you have room for. It won't hurt anything, the motor and such will only draw what it needs and no more. Just because you have a million amp battery doesn't mean that your electrical will draw a million amps (unless you have a short of course).

Ayuh,.... Agreed,.... I think the last 2 I put in my barge are 'bout 1000cca, Each,...

If that 140hp is crankin' Hard, I'd run through the wirin' again, cleanin' 'n greasin' the connections,...

If it didn't spin easier, I'd probably pull the starter, 'n have it gone through, or replace it with a permanent magnet type,...
 

tazrig

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Dec 20, 2012
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1,752
Re: what size battery do i need??

My boat requires 1000mca and I use 1300mca's with no problem. For that size motor if Your motor is turning over slowly I agree with Bondo. Sand and lightly grease all the connections. If that doesn't work then look at the starter.
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,853
Re: what size battery do i need??

That 3L motor should spin over easily with a 450cca / 600mca
So the current battery is 800mca.
Me thinks you need to look beyond the battery.
 
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