Happy to report I am back to tractorin'
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I replaced the battery yesterday afternoon and she's started up now several times reliably. Found a killer deal on an Optima "yellow top" battery and went with it. Was looking at the interstate batteries like greg_g suggested when I found the Optima's on-line and read nothing but good things about them.
Could get them at remybattery.com for $115 - best price I found on the net. Could get them local for around $120. Called around Thursday and finally found a store that had them but it would be next day before it came in from the warehouse. I Asked if I could pay over the phone with credit and they said no, had to come into the store and pay – thought kind of lame but went along; not to fond of this auto parts store, a national chain, but advanced along to the other side of town to order.
When I got to the store, could not find anyone to help me – as per usual. When someone finally did offer to help I was told they do not carry Optima batteries and they had never heard of them.?? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif?? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif? I politely told this person I was looking for “jim” who I talked to this morning, Jim was busy, so he would help. Another person overheard our conversation and said they carried Optima’s. He looked them up told me they were not in the Warehouse. I asked how long it would take to get there and he said he did not know. Could be two days, two weeks maybe a month, they had no way of knowing. I mentioned the conversation with Jim earlier in the morning. They found “jim” who checked the inventory and oops, sorry sir, I made a mistake. I know these things happen, people make mistakes. I told them I understood. They told me I could go ahead and pay for it and when it came in they would call. I said no thanks and put pack the 10 gals of 80/90 gear oil I had, and left.
Decided to order on-line and headed back to my office. Along the way I passed an Auto Zone. Didn’t call there but decided to stop just for grins. I walked in, got help within a couple of minutes. They did not have the D-51, but had the D-34/78, but, I thought this was WAY overkill and did not want to spend almost $160. The lady (yes lady) I was working with was very knowledgeable and going out of her way to help. They did not carry the D51 and could not order it as it was not in their inventory. She recommended other batteries similar to the D51, but, I just did not feel right. After a few minutes she left and came back and asked if I would buy the D34/78 if they took 15% off. I did the math in my head and compared it to the cost of the D-51 with shipping from on-line. For another $20 I could have the D34-78 and take it home TODAY. Thought this might be too good to pass up, was more than I needed, but, you never know.
Was very impressed – Auto Zone will now have my business. Asked what oils they carried and told them I would be back in a few weeks to get about 20 gallons (50 hour service coming up). I will be getting my parts and accessories from there from now on – a little customer service and help goes a long way….
Anyway, just wanted to give some appreciation to Auto Zone.
I got the battery installed. I took off the negative lead bolted to the frame. I ground down to polished metal where the connection was made. It looked good, but, went ahead and “polished” it up anyway. With the battery not hooked up I took the leads off of the solenoid, cleaned up with some wool and med sand paper – they all too looked good. I then put everything back together and tightened down real good. I then coated the battery terminals, and frame connection with AGS gel to help fight corrosion and aid in conductivity (so I was told). The stuff is like Vaseline. All battery cables were attached and I connected the negative lead back to the frame.
I then hopped in the seat, said a prayer, turned the key. She fired right up without hesitation and strong. I have started her up several times since, and the engine turns over very strong on the first crank. So, I think I am alright for now. I want to tear down the solenoid at some point and look at the metal plate as tat2z1969 mentioned.
As always, thanks to all. You guys have no idea how much I appreciate the time and interest you have shown in helping this greenhorn. Really fun to get to know and correspond with everyone via PM.
Take care,
Eddie
