Hi all,
My XJS has eaten its alternator belt so I need a new battery to get it to the specialist's workshop (45 miles/70km). I can see a lot of discussion on the forum about batteries but it's quite old. Can anyone recommend a good battery as I'll need two in order to make the journey...!
Thank you,

 

Matt,

There is LOTS of misinformation out there as to what size batteries should be fitted to XJ-Ss and XJSs.

I'm not sure, but I think the size battery fitted to your 1982 HE is an 075. An 075 is 242mm x 175mm x 175mm high.

In the UK, Tayna are very good for choice and value. See here for 075 batteries. The Exide model is good on price for a 600CCA battery. 075 Car Batteries (tayna.co.uk)

You may find that you can fit an 027 battery in that tray (same length but higher). If so, there's a cheaper Exide model that has 640CCA. See here: 027 Car Batteries (tayna.co.uk)

Hope that helps,

Paul

 

I just replaced the battery on mine. Its a 1987 HE with the original hold down "frame".

Here's what I learned:
Most modern batteries are flared out at the bottom for hold down clamps, so some will not fit in the tray. The dimensions are "nominal" and might not include that extra flare.
Not all XJS are the same - the facelift models have a different tray, different size. That's why the fitment guides are inconsistent.

I took the parts to the local Autozone to make sure the frame fitted properly. (BTW - for my 87 a Duralast H5 'almost' fits - I needed a spacer underneath because of the flare. The terminals are the wrong way also, but the cables reach OK, The hold down frame fits well.)

Batteries in California are really expensive - it was something like $200.00 or more. If you're faced with prices like that, I'd consider a flat tow rather than two batteries.

HTH, Dave

 

Thanks very much to you both, great advice.