Battery Options

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Battery Options

Post by 170C »

In February 2012 I purchased a Concorde RG-25XC. New ones are now $53.00 more than in 2012 :( Mine has seemed to lack the twisting power the last few times I have flown it and I don't want to find myself stranded. Wondering if my best option is to purchase another one or consider the Odyssey route :?: Is the field approval quagmire worth the hassle and would I be any better off in the end :?: Looks like Spruce has the best prices on batteries.
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
User avatar
DaveF
Posts: 1519
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:44 am

Re: Battery Options

Post by DaveF »

I'd first put a charge on the battery, then do a full discharge capacity test to see what condition it's really in. Then an equalizing (constant current) charge, and test it again. Chances are you can get it up to 90%, and you're good to go for another couple of years. By then there might be a Li-ion battery approved. That's my plan, anyway.
flyboy122
Posts: 324
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 2:30 am

Re: Battery Options

Post by flyboy122 »

Have you checked all the wiring? Made sure all the connections are clean and tight? I was bit disappointed with my new Odyssey until I tightened the stud on the solenoid that come loose. (Note I said stud, not connection. The stud had actually backed out of the solenoid.)

The 337 for the Odyssey was pretty straightforward. That being said I wouldn't bother unless you really needed the weight and/or space (like I did).

DEM
bagarre
Posts: 2615
Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:35 pm

Re: Battery Options

Post by bagarre »

How much of a weight difference is there between a Gill, Concord and an Odyssey?
User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Re: Battery Options

Post by 170C »

Concorde RG-25XC weight = 23.5 lbs 24 ah's
Gil RG-25S = 25.0 lbs 18 ah's
Odyssey PC 680 = 16 lbs (not sure this is comparable model) 16 ah's
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
bagarre
Posts: 2615
Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:35 pm

Re: Battery Options

Post by bagarre »

Thanks! 9 pounds can make a difference. specially if folks have a bigger motor up front and forward CG issues.
User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Re: Battery Options

Post by 170C »

Agreed David. In my case I am not necessarily concerned about weight. Cost and performance are my hot buttons :mrgreen:
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
User avatar
GAHorn
Posts: 20993
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Re: Battery Options

Post by GAHorn »

Frank, I hate to tell you this...but I'd suggest you FIRST have your battery properly charged and do a capacity-check....and if it checks out...., next check for proper GROUNDS such as battery to airframe and battery to engine, and battery to starter.... then suspect that lightweight starter you have. :wink:
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
User avatar
blueldr
Posts: 4442
Joined: Thu May 02, 2002 3:16 am

Re: Battery Options

Post by blueldr »

Did anyone other than me ever use Pep Boys garden tractor batteries tn their airplane? They used to cost about $20 and were the exact same size as a Gill 25 series and I used to just put a new one in every annual. They always seemed to work just fine.
BL
User avatar
DaveF
Posts: 1519
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:44 am

Re: Battery Options

Post by DaveF »

No batteries cost $20 anymore. The battery for my '88 Honda that used to cost $40 at Walmart is now $100.
User avatar
GAHorn
Posts: 20993
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Re: Battery Options

Post by GAHorn »

blueldr wrote:Did anyone other than me ever use Pep Boys garden tractor batteries tn their airplane? They used to cost about $20 and were the exact same size as a Gill 25 series and I used to just put a new one in every annual. They always seemed to work just fine.

Absolutely NOT!

I NEVER used Pep Boys garden tractor batteries because WalMart was $2 cheaper!

(This was in my 206 to ferry it to annual inspection, of course, where it was replaced with a Gill....and long before anyone here could hold me accountable.) :wink:
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
User avatar
N2625U
Posts: 187
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 2:21 pm

Re: Battery Options

Post by N2625U »

Gotta love statute of limitations...
Keep your speed up, Blackhawk on final behind you.
YPK170guy
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Sep 08, 2015 1:28 am

Re: Battery Options

Post by YPK170guy »

I just installed an an atlee dodge battery box as my original box was full of holes. I used the recommended battery and this is fully approved, also installed a sky tech starter at the same time. I needed a new battery at the same time, his saved a few pounds and seemed like a logical upgrade.


http://www.fadodge.com/index.php?option ... &Itemid=53
hilltop170
Posts: 3481
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: Battery Options

Post by hilltop170 »

I just had to replace the Concorde RG-25 XC battery in -15D. It lasted 6 years and cost $275 to replace from Aero Performance in Ft Worth, who is owned by the same folks that own Spruce. The last Concorde RG-25XC I had also lasted 6 years. Looks like Concorde RG-25XC batteries last 6 years, at least in my airplane.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
User avatar
lowNslow
Posts: 1530
Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2002 4:20 pm

Re: Battery Options

Post by lowNslow »

Richard, curious if you use a battery charger/maintainer when your aircraft is not in use?
Karl
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL
Post Reply