Battery on standard cars -

Date: 19 Sep 2018

Issue

The original bolt top 037 batteries are no longer available from regular distributors. Type 037 batteries have square pin, bolt on terminals.

After a few years (usually 10 years or so) batteries no longer hold their charge and become a liability.

Diagnosis

Quite simple really, car either struggles to start or fails to start.

Various ‘witch doctor’ battery testers are available. A discharge tester, for example, usually kills and already dying battery, save your money and just buy a new battery.

Repair

Conversion to the 038 round pillar battery is really simple.

Purchase from eBay a pair of Ford battery convertors.

To replace battery:

Unbolt the earth terminal and disconnect
Unbolt the live terminal and disconnect
Release the battery clamp (1/2 inch AF if original)
Lift out the old battery
Insert the new battery
Replace the clamp and tighten
Lightly smear each post with battery grease
Reconnect the live terminal using an adaptor
Reconnect the earth terminal using an adaptor
Smear grease lightly over the new clamps and bolts to prevent future corrosion

Type 037/4 bolt post battery

Figure: Original Bolt Posrt Type 037 Battery

Type MF038 round post battery

Figure: New Round Post Type 038 Battery

Battery shelf to battery clamp

Tighten the bolt 9/16 AF to clamp new battery securely to battery shelf.

Figure: Battery Clamp to Battery Shelf In Engine Bay

New battery installed

Figure: Type 038 Battery Installed With Terminal Adaptors

Parts List

Parts

Approximate prices from: 19 Sep 2018

Part	Description	Supplier	Cost
Type 038	Battery type 038 battery for sale	local battery shop or eBay	£45 to £80
Numax SAP537272	Numax SAP537272 Genuine Ford Square Round Battery Adaptor Terminal Convertors	eBay	£17.50

Parts List Table

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Battery on standard cars