Back in those days the batteries were much more tolerant of deeper
discharges. But since then there has been a CCA arms race where battery
manufacturers tout huge numbers for Cold Cranking Amps such as 650 CCA and
consumers
have responded positively. Nevermind that that is about 200 or 300% more than
what is required. (More, actually since the spec is for a 10 second
cranking period and any modern car that doesn't start after two seconds isn't
going to start.)
To get all those CCA's the battery manufacturers have to make more plate
area and to keep the battery from getting much heavier (and more expensive)
they have resorted to making the plates thinner. Thinner plates means a
smaller amount of discharge can leave holes in the plates (reducing plate area)
which do not readily grow back upon recharge. But, no problem. All cars
nowadays have high capacity alternators which can supply all the cars
electrical requirements under all conditions (provided the engine is running).
The upshot is that given the recent trend in battery design fitting an
alternator to a TR that is driven frequently or daily is not so much a luxury
as
it is a necessary accommodation of modern battery technology.
Or you can get a deep discharge marine battery. Or the Optima
YellowTop(R)* battery. (*NFI)
Dave
In a message dated 1/28/2013 8:49:52 AM Central Standard Time,
Chip19474@aol.com writes:
> "The heater blower is only to augment the airflow through the car in
> difficult conditions. Do not use it unnecessarily, especially at speed
> when it
> is not required. Remember that in winter conditions with the lights on
> and
> other accessories in use, the current load will be considerable. In cold
>
> weather.....if there is too great a load.....the generator may fail to
> keep
> the battery fully charged"
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