Car & Bike Talk

[Rev.Cambeul]

FFS. Enough of us Creators and Supporters are into Bikes and Cars, so, why not a just Car & Bike Talk topic?

And why not? We all learn from asking questions: @N567 @Rob82  @Br.Art


Was I ripped off?

I think I was ripped off by the RAA - Royal Auto Association.

You know, South Australia's version of the Auto Club that takes care of you when you break down.

Four years ago, I bought the car I now have. A year later, the battery that came with it was dead and when I called the RAA, they offered to sell me a new one with a year or more warranty - I'll be checking my records. A year later, it was no longer holding its charge. I once again called the RAA and told them point blank, it's under warranty so I want it replaced.

A prick of a mechanic showed up, checked it, claimed I have a power drain in my car when it's shut off, so it's my fault. Apparently I'm supposed to drive the thing about 120 klicks every frigging day, AND put the bloody thing on charge overnight at least once per week. I called bullshit then and I still do now.

Sure, he checked it with an OBD II reader and claimed that there was a power drain - then after he'd left, I found he'd switched on the fan and the heater to full. To me, that's where the power drain was coming from on the OBD reader.

A year later, the thing wont even hold a charge for two days. I did a 20KM round trip on Tuesday, and this morning, Friday it wouldn't start. I didn't bother with the RAA, because even though no other mechanic anywhere has reported power drain - and I have specifically asked - I just got a neighbour to give me a jump start. That's all the RAA would do anyway, but I'd have to wait an hour or two before they show up.

So I got the thing started, drove about 40 klicks and then bought a new battery. Cost: $259. I could have got something cheaper for $209, but if the best they had was fifty bucks dearer, then might as well get the best ... especially IF there is an actual power drain somewhere.

I put the new battery in, started the car and it was like starting a different car! Same again zipping around the local streets. And again on the freeway on the way home.

Up until that moment, I was still unsure about whether or not there was a power drain. Now I'm very positive that I was sold a dud battery by the RAA. I've had this car four years, and there was no difference prior to the original battery failing and buying the RAA battery; but this Repco battery ... BIG DIFFERENCE!

Still, I'll give it a month. If there is no change, I'll write to the RAA and demand my money back for their battery - making sure to note that they are my insurer and road side mechanics, and the fact that I've been with them for thirty years!

Of course, I don't expect to get anything out of them, but I will make sure to tell everyone everywhere every time to NOT buy car batteries from the RAA. Just get them to give you a jump start and go to the nearest store, or get them to tow you, because that's all that they are good for.

Damn I'm pissed off! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYfLMOc4B0w

[Br.IanVonTurpie]

https://www.auspowerbanks.com.au/product/jump-starter-16000mah-emergency-car-battery/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpcLa5I7l4wIV14BwCh2SJwiOEAQYASABEgJonvD_BwE


I bought a "power all" jump starts cars and charges devices.
This one is around $170AUD but you can buy cheaper versions on eBay.

[Rev.Cambeul]

Yeah, got one of those things ... An older one I've had since the 90's anyway.

The old one doesn't work, so I looked into buying another and was shocked at the prices! So I pulled my old one apart, and the battery is replaceable. Cost: About $60. Just have to take a trip to Battery World one day.

In the meantime, IF there really is a power drain, I have two batteries and a modern type battery charger for calcium batteries. The old car battery is calcium, and is currently under the pergola in my back yard on charge - it's set to rejuvinate.

The new is one of the hybrid calcium/lead batteries.
https://www.repco.com.au/en/brands/repco/repco-car-battery-68-mf/p/A5439732
I don't think there's any info at that top link that will explain anything. It just says the model number and Repco. Doesn't even say that it's made by Century. At least it's made in Australia.
https://perthpro.com.au/products/century-ultra-hi-performance-battery-68-mf-640cca-115rc-64ah

I'll probably also need one of these:
https://www.repco.com.au/en/brands/projecta/projecta-interim-power-supply/p/A8529531

Although yesterday when I changed it over, an alarm sounded, I connected the new within 30 seconds (I guess there's a time limit) and all settings remained the same.

Edit January 2021: Just bought the new version of jump starter as @Br.IanVonTurpie recommended. Not sure on the exact brand as it's already been charged and is sitting in my old army duffle bag in the boot. Has USB ports and all sorts of plugins, and of course a torch. I went to just replace the battery in my old unit from the 90's, but the cost of the battery was over a hundred bucks more than the entire unit initially cost @ less than $90 bucks. So, I decided to Clint Eastwood a new one. Since I had a Fistful of Dollars, and for only a Few Dollars More than the price of a replacement battery (which was $180 bucks), I could get the updated unit, which is tiny by comparison, holds more power, and for longer. The USB and other plugins are just a bonus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXgNtV7B7uU

Music From "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" & "A Fistful Of Dollars" & "For A Few Dollars More".  Vinyl Record by Hugo Montenegro And His Orchestra. BTW My father had the original record. I taped it in the 80's. I put it on CD in 2005. Now I have it on Video thanks to being able to Jew it from YouTube.

@Cailen.

[Grimm]

Powerdrain?  When the cars off..  isn't it off? 

Have you ever reloaded the acid in a battery? There's supposedly things you can do (mixtures of epsom salt and baking soda and distilled water) to help get corrosion off the plates..  then you load the cells with fresh acid.   


This dude knows..

https://youtu.be/C6p1a_Yw6_Q

[Rev.Cambeul]

Yes, you can get a power drain when the vehicle is off; Computer and Alarm - and faults with either lead to more power drains. However, the test was run through the OBD port while the car was running and the heater and fan were turned on full blast. I did not turn the heater nor the fan on ... understand my scepticism?

(Update 2023: The real power drain on my car battery was the starter motor. Replaced that in late 22. All fixed.)

Re the video: I was a soldier in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, I know those tricks.

Anyway, sealed batteries these days. And Calcium batteries are not Lead batteries.

Boiling water on a Lead battery works on a cold morning, but does not work with a Calcium battery. However, the Calcium battery does work better in the cold, and the Lead works better in the heat. At least ... now I'm an expert because the salesman at Repco told me the last yesterday. 

* * * *

And finally, if you want to survive the Nigger Apocalypse, get a Ford F100/F225/F350 from a lot of decades ago. Or an old Land Rover with a GM 6 cylinder straight motor. Even a small International that will run forever ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ7yv7IjJg4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et-fOGJx9LU

Questions about American Trucks or Utes, ask @Mr.Deth