87 TDT Min Battery power - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

europower · #1 10-19-2019, 05:59 PM

1987 300TD Interstate batteries tells me it takes their H8 730 cca?
Doesn't that sound kind of low? Ive always ran it with 850-900 cca, any input would be greatly appreciated. I'd hate to hurt my starter or electrica system.
The battery says made in Germany and fitment appears to be correct.

JHZR2 · #2 10-20-2019, 11:55 AM

H8 is a group 49, no?

Some battery designs trade total power (amps and voltage drop) for energy (amp-hours). Often the ratings are dubious, in other cases, understated.

What was the car delivered with originally?

730A @ 10V is 7300W. Last I recall, the starter on the OM617 was rated at 1700W...

barry12345 · #3 10-20-2019, 12:52 PM

In you climate it should be fine. We hear in the north that heat kills batteries eventually. In any event in that climate your car could probably get along with even less capacity.

Batteries really do need the higher capacities where it really gets cold.

Diesel911 · #4 10-20-2019, 01:29 PM

It is not the same vehicle but on my 84 300D when I checked the cranking amperage it was 150 amps. That is the same as the ubiquitous a large V8 Gasoline Engine.

I have been using various 750 cca batteries and once a used Wheelchair Battery. All have worked fine in the southern CA climate and I usually still use the glow plugs.

What shortens the life if my batteries is I mange to leave the light on like 4 times a year and won't remember or notice till like 4 hours later.

I also have a need for a batteries that will also fit in my other vehicles. As an example there is no room for a Mercedes size battery in my Volvo diesel.

europower · #5 10-20-2019, 01:43 PM

What is strange to me is that Interstate has suddenly claimed this to be the proper fitment for my car, when for over 20 years I've always been told/sold 850-900 cca.