Battery that fits an XJC battery case

[jackketch]

Can anyone advise who makes a battery that will fit inside the battery case of an XJC? The new style batteries from National, etc do not fit either inside the case or without. If it's of any help the engine is a 5.3.

[Brakebuster]

a bosch battery will fit, but you can always buy a battery from jaguar for your car, it will be £100

BB

[mike020150]

I came across this problem 4 years ago when I needed a new battery with enough oomph for my series 2 V12. Careful measurement of all the high powered units available then, resulted in me buying a Varta Blue battery which fitted the case with a minimum amount of cutting and filing. Subsequent to my comments appearing in an April 2010 magazine article, another member wrote to say he'd found a supplier (in Manchester I think) able to still supply the original shaped batteries but I can't recall its power output. Mike.

[PaulGover]

All car batteries come in standard sizes, so the first thing you need is the original size as fitted by Jaguar. Then find the supplier with the largest cranking current you can find at a sensible price. Halfords have a decent range by Bosch, or their own cheaper-but-shorter-guarantee ones.
I'll take a guess you have a 75 (or 075) battery size - that's what my early Facelift had (sadly much smaller than the later cars).

I believe the table in the following link shows the standard size designations and layout details:
https://www.batteryweb.com/bci.cfm.
Here's a previous note I wrote on the subject:
http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=5856

[mike020150]

For those who may be puzzled by this problem, it is not caused by manufacturers changing the nominal dimensions (HxWxD) of the battery case. The issue is all about the moulded shape of the battery top being no longer compatible with the XJ battery box. Originally, terminals were recessed into the top of the case and the case clamped the battery at the level of the terminal bases. Now, in many instances, the terminals sit proud of the casing top. Thus, the new higher battery terminals risk touching body panels and the battery case is held at the top of the casing instead of being at the height of the old terminal bases. At this height the battery casing is unable to fasten and keep the battery secure. Mike.

[oldtimer]

Use Unipart Battery GBY 3072.

For further details see entry Jag Series 123 -General - Item- Battery- dated June 21 2013

A part of plastic rib needs to be shaved off to allow movement of the cooling duct door flap.

Oldtimer

[jackketch]

Thank you everyone for your help. I apologise for not replying sooner, I was away from my computer. I will let you know the outcome as soon as it is resolved.

[steve_m]

Bear in mind when 'cutting and filing' to make your new battery fit not to 'cut and file' too far otherwise you end up with battery acid dripping on your shoe and then you have to go and buy another battery.
Surprising how thin the casing actually is.

[mike020150]

The trick is not to cut the battery. That's far too risky. It's the metal casing which is sacrificed. Mike.

[oldtimer]

Don't get excited folks,
When you place the metal casing over the battery whilst on the bench and see exactly what is required to allow movement of the flap valve it becomes obvious that a trivial amount of work is required.

I firstly did this about nine years ago and recently, may be a couple of years ago. I have owned this car for, Oh I can't remember, over 35 years.

I'm not in the habit of spilling acid or anything else

[joejag308]

Jack as BB says depending on where you live, I'm in Leeds area and I get my Bosch batteries from Andrew Page a well known car factors dealer in Yorkshire they sell the ". Odd shaped Jag batties" My old XJ40 had a shaped battery and they had one in sto ck

[oldtimer]

Hi All,
I was surprised to see five or six Series 2 XJ's for sale at the NEC Classic Car Show. Being an owner of the type I was naturally interested in their condition and advertised price. I was pleased to see the extraordinary prices being asked for vehicles that appeared to be in very reasonable condition. Not so long ago you could not give them away!

BUT in each and every case I was so disappointed to see the assorted butchery that had been carried out on their Battery installations.

A good quality Battery installation can be achieved with a little thought and consideration.

To achieve this the steel case needs to be complete and in good order with a U section seal around the bottom edge also ensuring that the cooling fan and thermostatic switch functions together with the air flap non-return door. A foam seal should be in place between the top lip of the Battery and battery case. When using Unipart Battery GBY 3072 a thin rubber mat is required beneath the battery to raise it to ensure a good seal at the top. The Battery and its steel casing is held securely in place by two threaded stays. Finally ensure that the 2inch diameter fresh air supply pipe is correctly located into the steel case. The cooling air flow is drawn in from the main air intake on the top of the scuttle via a rubber pipe into and around the steel casing and exits from a duct just beneath the fan motor. It is important to ensure these joints are correctly made as engine smells can be drawn into the cabin or hot air from the engine bay can be recirculated around the battery which defeats the object.
Both the Positive and Negative Battery cables MUST have rubber boots over the attachment clamps for fairly obvious safety reasons.

I trust that helps a little

Oldtimer

PS If you suspect acid spillage from some previous event - neutralise with Bicarbonate of Soda - Yes - Baking Powder Then paint with anti sulphuric paint - that's if you can buy it any more

[jackketch]

Thank you one and all for the broad range of advice. I live on the south coast so picking up battery from Yorkshire is going to be a bit of a stretch. Currently the engine is out of the car for the engine bay to be painted, a job that's taking a lot more time than intended. I will go through all the options that have been suggested and let you know the outcome.

[jBlackwell]

Hi Guys,
We met these guys at the Essen show, based across the UK, they build batteries to fit classic cars. All they need are the dimensions.

http://www.shieldbatteries.co.uk/

Might be a good solution.

James