Hello.
Does anyone know the official recommended "Cold Cranking Amps" for the 2001 U270, Cummins 8.3 350hp?
I am ordering new batteries and just want to verify. I did call Cummins with my engine number and they said to ask the chassis builder.
I am considering (3) Duracell 34/78 from Sam's. AGM's.
Thank you.
-FT
We have a Detroit but as I remember, your 8.3 requires 1500 CCA. Three 34 series will be plenty with extra left over for cold winter starts. Our Detroit needs a minimum of 1800 CCA and came with three 24 series that started it fine in winter. I went with three 31 series by Duralast with 2850 CCA ten years later. Never hurts to have more than is required, especially when the batteries age.
Pierce
From the Cummins specifications for the marine industry the requirement is 1250 cca.
Since your two 34/78 AGMs will give you 1500cca, you will be fine.
I've used two Exide 34/78 AGMs for three years, they are fine, turning the engine over quickly and starting quickly.
Hello Jack and Pierce.
Thank you both.
The previous owner had (3) Optima Yellow-top installed. I did not think I needed to match that. Sam's pricing seems pretty good.
I always appreciate the help I get here. Take care.
-FT
At what point if ever, does a single 8D come into use.
Does having extra power in start batteries. Give any usable effect when boost is selected.
Start batteries being start batteries should not be deep cycle as the power used in starting is a jolt draw. Not a steady pull of house usage.
Are there any lithium start batteries.
The spiral wound optimas were put in the coach for specific reasons.
Better able to dissipate heat(engine) and vibration. Off road race cars all have optimas. Plus they last.
I don't believe in using the boost switch in normal operation. Only for emergencies. Our diesel car, diesel tractor and old SOB with a 7.3 Ford/IH never had boost switches. Do any of your cars have a boost switch?
One 8D should start a 8.3 Cummins OK. Our FD Detroits were 9 liter and we had to run two 8Ds in parallel to get reliable starting.
Boost switches are only a crutch to make up for poor design in the starting system. Builder skimped on cable sizes, etc.
Pierce
I have 2 24 group interstate flooded cells to start my C8.3. They are marginal. I'm thinking of going to 3 batts in parallel since it looks like I have room. I did a deep cleaning of all connections this winter. Before summer going to charge individual batts, load test to see if they actually put out the 800 CCA printed on the case. My engine not exactly apples to apples.
Thanks again to all for the help.
(3) 34/78 Duracell Batteries installed. All good.
-FT