Bongo Fury

Hi all,
A lot of people on here seem to recommend the Type 335 battery (typically the Bosch S4) as a replacement for the bongo starter battery. The 335 is 95Ah, 830A CCA. However, my understanding is that the stock bongo battery is 60Ah (or 64Ah winter pack). Why does the replacement need to be 50% more powerful? What would be wrong with installing a Type 068 (70Ah, 630A CCA) which seems to be a more than adequate replacement. Aren't we just paying over the odds for something in excess of our requirements?
Cheers
Ross

Hi
You pays yer money and takes yer choices...some folk prefer something with a bit more ooomph for colder days. Purely personal, but mine is an Exide 100 amp and a pretty good CCA rating. Don't forget that in the north, Japanese Bongos have 2 batteries. A point to remember is that the colder it gets, the less efficient the battery is. Your avatar suggests that you're not in a cold area, so I reckon you've a bit of choice
Cheers
Helen

If you've got twin battery winter setup, you should ideally replace both at the same time otherwise the overall performance will be compromised by the weaker of the two.

Hi Ross, you are correct in what you say (from new)but as the engines on these old bangers get a bit worn they lose a bit of compression and the heavier battery can supply that often needed extra oomph and staying power..

To start a 2.5 diesel I'd definitely go for the biggest battery that will fit.

You're only looking at the price difference, and on a cold morning you'll be glad of it.

Thanks for the replies. I don't think a Type 335 will physically fit on my starter battery tray! The existing battery is only 240mm long and the connector/fuse arrangement on the RHS would stop me getting anything much bigger in. Do you guys have extra large battery trays?

I have standard Mazda battery trays for both the starter battery and the leisure battery ...



I fitted rubber inside the 'lip' and both batteries fit 'on' rather than 'in' the battery trays .. but being a 'snug fit' and well clamped .. I don't think they will go very far ..!!

95AH starter battery ..


110AH Leisure battery ..



110AH battery No2 fitted .. and under bonnet wires tidied up..

Bob wrote:To start a 2.5 diesel I'd definitely go for the biggest battery that will fit.

You're only looking at the price difference, and on a cold morning you'll be glad of it.

2nd that. I paid a little extra for 95ah and 7 years and one flat battery later (left lights on) its still going strong.

Cat amongst pigeons I bought my Bongo in January with a battery that I thought would be on the tip before a month was out. It is so small it came with a 2" block of wood under the securing bar to hold it tight. It is still there having never let me down despite being used only every 2-3 weeks through the cold months early this year including camping in -5C.
So I grin just a little as I read the (very sound and safe) advice about big batteries in this thread.
Please leave space ....... for retraction this winter.

We had a 335 until a couple of weeks ago, now, like Helen, we have a 100ah Exide.

Both fit in the standard tray.

I allways fit the biggest CCA I can in the existing tray, the one morning you have starting issues you will be glad you did and often its only a few quid more

Hi Bob
It was Hobsons Choice for us with the Exide, as few real firms sell batteries over here, and , usually any "brand name" product is a copy made here, and totally useless, but I reckon the one we have is the real deal, and quite good, so far, so maybe was an import? Just found a firm selling leisure batteries, too...bought a Bosch, but only a small one...the next size available is far too big for the standard Mazda tray....
So...what's your verdict on the Exide?
Cheers
Helen

Seems very goo, Helen.

Its what the local tyre/exhaust/etc place could get immediately.

Set off for holiday 3 weeks ago, Bongy started a treat, drove 6 miles, filled up...... Nothing. Battery had died instantly. About 5 1/2 years old, so no big deal.

Gem Breakdown got us going and drove to local place, had one delivered in quick time.

Great holiday, too.

Hi
Excellent news, Bob....We hadn't had a holiday for a while...planned a quick test run this year, but we have a new pup, who hasn't had her jabs yet, but we hope to get to Greece next year...Just wondered about what to expect from the Exide...I'd hope for 5 years from a battery...last one I bought here just saw 2 years...the 2 year guarantee meant failure in 2 years GUARANTEED!... Anyway, better stuff is starting to filter in gradually
Cheers
Helen

068 is perfectly adequate ...mines 4 yrs old and no worries....