Hello everyone
I have a 1960 Jaguar Mk9 which now requires replacement of the 6v batteries.

Having undertaken some initial research there seems to be 2 options - dry or wet charge batteries. Not being an electrical specialist I could really do with some advice please as to whether dry charged batteries are suitable for my car

Many thanks in advance

Graham

 

Are you looking to show the car or intentionally preserve its original state? If not, why not consider a high-quality 12V current technology battery?

 

Graham
I am not too sure of what you mean by "wet charged" versus "dry charged " battery.
Are you referring to the early type of wet cell lead acid battery as opposed to the more modern sealed cell battery?
The modern sealed cell battery is far superior to the old wet cell system in both performance and seems to have a longer life.
I have 7 vehicles including 4 Jags and I do keep an eye on the battery installation dates and lives.
Iam not familiar with the MK9 battery layout but did drive MK7s for 17 years and a reasonably large 12 volt battery sufficed.
The only thing was it was bloody awkward to access and change.
Cheers

 

"It seems to me".... that dry charged batteries were shipped and sold without electrolyte, which the customer would have to buy separately. If thats the case, How is that still a thing??
Good luck!

 

The OP may be referring to modern batteries where the electrolyte is a "gel" pressed into the battery plates as opposed to a traditional "flooded battery". In the back of my mind is that idea that these newer batteries require a higher charging voltage to obtain a full charge and may not be suitable for a generator equipped vehicle.

 

In my experience the gel battery does not require any higher charging voltage.
As long as the generator is putting out standard voltages of between 13.8 and 14.2 it should work OK.

 

Many thanks for all of your advice and views - I have to say this turned out to be a bit of a saga investigating suitable options! To update on where I ended up and my decision making process. The Mk9 has 2 small 6v batteries in order to accommodate the steering column which runs between the 2 batteries therefore a single 12v was not a viable option. I was recommended by another Jaguar enthusiast to speak with a company called Shield Batteries in Dorset UK who were extremely helpful indeed and still manufacture rubber case batteries. I purchased 2 new replacements, which the held in stock, and were extremely well priced
Hope that is helpful
Best regards
Graham