*Two BIG questions

Okay rather than making two posts i figured this was easier.

1a) First off, im looking for a new battery for my xj550. Should i stick with acid or go to a sealed/gel battery.
1b) Also, what cca should i use. I have seen that factory is somewhere around 113. Would it be bad to go to a 210 (which i believe is next size up from dennis kirk)

2) was performing compression test (yes i know i need a battery) but the cylinder 2 spark plug hole is a bit loose. The spark plug threads in but wobbles from side to side a bit. It won't allow me to thread in the compression fitting either. Is there a rebuild kit for a sparkplug cylinder or is it time for some jugs.

Thanks everyone ahead of time for your top notch expertise!

:wink:

 

1a:sealed AGM. I don't know enough about gel to recommend. all I know is they can be finicky.
1b:all the CCA you can find. you can't push current, only draw it. make it available for your starter to draw all it wants.

2: without looking at it myself I can't say but it sounds like it might need a thread clean-up or maybe even a helicoil.

 

1: DO NOT fit a larger capacity battery, your charging system may not be able to keep up with it. No, you can't "push current" but you do need to be able to keep the battery fully charged. The stock battery is fine if kept maintained, provided your alternator is in good shape.

Your stock battery is a 12N12A-4A-1, which is rated at 113CCA.

2: Sounds like it might be a bit late for cleaning up the threads. However, you can repair it using a Heli-Coil, rather than replacing the HEAD. (Not the "jugs" those are the cylinders.)

 

1: There are generally 3 types of batteries available on the market today all of them being lead acid technology.

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) also known as Sealed Lead Acid (SLA): Nasty, corrosive, liquid electrolyte.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): A step up from the FLA/SLA in that the electrolyte is contained in a glass matting within the battery. Reduced risk of acid spills. Considerably safer than SLA. More forgiving about charging rates.

Gel cell: Electrolyte contained in a semi-solid state. no risk of acid spills, Generally used for deep cycle/storage applications. Somewhat fussy about charging rates.

Of the 3 your best option for use in a motorcyle would be the AGM batteries.

Learn more about batteries in this Battery Tutorial

1b: When you ask about using a larger battery. The question that needs to be asked is why?
If your battery is not providing enough electrical energy to start the bike. You need to look at the entire electrical system to make sure that there is not another problem (worn brushes, corroded connections, modifications, etc...).

Don't be fooled by the CCA advertising. Bigger is only better when the battery is used as a storage device. The difference between 113 CCA, and 210 CCA will be virtually unnoticable in normal use with a good electrical system. Once the motor is running the charging system takes over providing the electrical needs to operate the bike.

That being said. The step up from the 12AH 113 CCA battery to the 14AH 210 CCA battery might give you that cushion needed to support additional lighting to make the ride safer.

Ghost

 

Granted I have switched to all LEDs but once I replaced (my at the minimum spec) alternator brushes (from XJ4Ever) I haven't had to charge battery. So apparently the brushes are working and properly installed! (Buy the gasket for the cover as well!!!)

Also try replacing the stock glass fuse panel (see my DIY electrical post).

Try cleaning all electrical connections. Get a spray can of electrical contact cleaner and a tube of dielectric grease and maybe some sandpaper.

If you have added a few non-factory gadgets (ie gps, heated grips, radio, etc) you may have over done it.

If you added a 100Watt headlight you might have overdone it and risk melting the wire coverings eventually.

If you added any auto store/walmart halogen "fog/driving" lights, you probably over did it...

Hope some of this helps...

 

The type of battery you buy for your Bike needs to meet the specs required to make the bike run.
What kind of Battery and how much you spend depends on a multitude of factors.
Geography, probably the most important factor in making a buying decision.

If you live in a region where Winter keeps the bike covered-up in the back of the garage for four or five months; you tend to buy a decent battery, but not the best. You know even the best Battery Tender is no match for a hard, New England Winter.

But, if you live where you celebrate Christmas and New Years at the Beach or have friends over for a Pool Party you need juice all year long. That, alone, would be a reason to spend a few extra bucks on a Battery that will last a whole season or two.