I found my '01 150 with a dead new battery, sitting maybe 3 weeks. Can anyone comment.on the below "testers" or suggest that $25 testers are or aren't very useful,.or what IS useful? TIA

 

If what you want to do Is test for parasitic drain, a standard DMM will serve the need. Just put it in series with the positive lead (configured correctly, if course) and don't turn anything on that has a high draw like lights, fan, etc.

If you want to load test the battery it'll cost more than $25. I suggest charging it, then go to an Interstate Batteries store and gave it tested there. AZ/AA/OR can do it, too, but may use smaller testers.

BTW, mine was dead when I tried to start it today after a week+ of sitting. It wasn't fully charged, though, from the last incident a couple of weeks ago. I forgot to top it off. Pulling out the solar panel again for winter.

 

Thanks Ohio. Somewhere I have a DMm that will handle the current by using it to replace a fuse.

I have load testers. The battery is new, the weather is not cold. And it tested ok when installed and put on a repair-tender for equalization.

Yours may be both getting old, and your temperatures dropping more than mine. My SF area climate is mild, constantly breathed on by the Pacific.

 

Never seen 85 before, like ever haha. 87,89,91,93 (we have 88 here with 15% ethanol), and 93 with no ethanol.

 

85 at this altitude is like 87 at sea level. I would venture a guess that Ohio and CO may have an 85 option as well.

 

​​​​​​A San Jose CA airport is now the first in the nation to stock 100 octane UNLEADED fuel.

 

learn something new every day!

 

If any of you are looking to stock up... Rock Auto has the WIX Pro-Tec for $1.82 right now.

 

These are what they look like internally. Just different stickers on them. WIX makes the AutoXP, as well as the Purolator Tech.

EDIT: For the record, WIX and Purolator are both owned by Mann-Hummel.

 

I did a quick search for an article to share on the 85-octane topic, but almost just put down the mouse when I saw this.



Talking about 85-octane gasoline but showing a diesel pump handle. SMH. What a joke of an "automotive" web site.

Anywho....... here's some real info: https://www.cwpma.org/cpages/article-5923-co-ops