AL TR250 Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Last year at the MOT, the tester pointed out that I didn't have anything holding down the battery. As it approaches time for the MOT again I thought I would invest in a clamp for the battery. A simple job, I thought, for someone of my limited ability......... When I went to fit it I found that the heater valve is in the way (see photo). I know that I could just put a spanner on and rotate it out of the way, but I also suspect that the reason it is that far round is because it has been tightened up as far as possible so as not to leak. I know that once I start tweaking it, what was a 2 minute job will rapidly snowball and inevitably involve a trip to the not-so-local parts shop for sealant, etc. This also raises the question of what coolant would be compatible with the green North American anti-freeze that the PO kindly replaced before shipping it over, if I need to top it up..... Maybe it's just paranoia taking over? Any suggestions most welcome!! Ali Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Hi Ali, looking at your pic, what is stopping the battery clamp from fitting.? There appears to be a reasonable gap between valve and battery and black pipe and battery. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Watch the gap between the positive battery terminal and the clamp though. It looks like it's going to be very close. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Hi Ali/Pete, I used a length of rubber 'U' section along the battery clamp angle to protect from the +ve terminal. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AL TR250 Posted February 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Thanks for the advice. Buoyed by your optimism Roger, I gave it another go and managed to readjust the battery and tray to make the clamp fit past the cable sleeve. Phew! I will look out a bit of rubber tomorrow, as suggested, to guard against any unwanted sparks. Ali Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 My preferred battery bar is 157740 from the Police Spec Triumph 2.5 PI The top turn over is quite small so it goes no where near the battery terminal posts. The retention is more on the side of the battery rather than the top edge. It was also quite a bit stronger than the 'Shanghai Nice and Shiny Company' items too. Still available too. http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/clamp-battery-fixing-12-3-4-157740.html?assoc=115088 You will have to work out what 'J' bolt length you need - They come in 5 3/4", 7", and 8 1/4" lengths - TR2/3 uses the shortest. Peter W Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 Shame on your MOT man as a missing battery clamp is a fail Im afraid. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AL TR250 Posted February 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 My preferred battery bar is 157740 from the Police Spec Triumph 2.5 PI The top turn over is quite small so it goes no where near the battery terminal posts. The retention is more on the side of the battery rather than the top edge. It was also quite a bit stronger than the 'Shanghai Nice and Shiny Company' items too. Still available too. http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/clamp-battery-fixing-12-3-4-157740.html?assoc=115088 You will have to work out what 'J' bolt length you need - They come in 5 3/4", 7", and 8 1/4" lengths - TR2/3 uses the shortest. Peter W I bought the kit from Rimmer's (price matched to Moss who were out of stock) but the clamp has a similar profile albeit with single holes at each end. 81/4" bolts which were a bit too long for this battery. 7" would have done. And one of the bolts had a dodgy thread which enhanced the experience of tightening them all the way down. I thought more than two packing washers might have attracted a knowing look from the cognoscenti! Shame on your MOT man as a missing battery clamp is a fail Im afraid. Stuart. True! But is that better or worse than the previous MOT'er (different garage) who missed it altogether?? Job done now, so I can sleep easy! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 Good news is that if that Diehard battery fails prematurely you can take take it back to Sears for a partial refund on a replacement. Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AL TR250 Posted February 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 (edited) Good news is that if that Diehard battery fails prematurely you can take take it back to Sears for a partial refund on a replacement. Stan :-) :-) :-) Thanks for that info Stan. I was actually in a Sears last November and was impressed by the tool section - our department stores are sadly lacking in mechanical gratification. Most men here have to pass the time looking at TVs and other electrical items while their better halves choose a new outfit/home furnishing. A tool department would definitely improve the shopping experience. I think I will probably pass on the refund. I have already tested my marriage several times with transatlantic car part shopping - last time a set of leaf springs very nearly led to divorce!! Ali Edited February 25, 2017 by AL TR250 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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