I need a new battery! how many cca do i require?

[magicbus]

My wife accidently left the lights on our van (only a couple of hours) and after many attempts trying to jump using my Subaru Impreza with not even a glimps of hope of starting a fellow with a big monster truck finally (after many attempts) was able to start it up.
it seems like i need a heav duty battery to start er up!
does anybody know what battery would be best for my van????

thanks,

m

[marsgal42]

Single or dual battery?

The battery FAQ recommends 700 to 800 CCA for a 4 cylinder diesel engine. Gumdrop has 1400 CCA (2 x 700, brand new from Polar Battery) and the starter spins the engine almost at idle speed.

...laura

[magicbus]

single battery!
Any suggestion on a reliable brand and location to buy ?
Thanks,
M

[capslayer]

In my opinion, the absolute best battery to buy is Optima. They are a gel cell battery. Meaning, it's a sealed battery, with gel instead of distilled water/acid. These batteries can be mounted sideways, or even upside down. Obviously this doesn't matter much, but I've had these batteries in my last two vehicles, and now swear by them. There are three types. Red top, Yellow top, and Blue top. Red is a regular battery, yellow is a heavier duty battery great for vehicles which have extra fog lights, a stereo amp, or a winch, and the blue battery is for marine use. Each type of battery comes in different sizes. If you have the money, get a yellow top battery. The last one I got was on sale at a Nappa auto parts in Cache creek of all places ($165). I just noticed last week that the same battery was at a Lordco in Squamish for almost 300 bucks! They do sell the red top batteries in walmart however for around 125 bucks.

Great batteries. If you can afford it.

[marsgal42]

Anywhere that sells car batteries can help you out. They are a standard size. Tell them you need a skookum battery for starting a diesel, and, if necessary, show them where it needs to go. I did both. It won't be in their parts book.

The Polar Battery people said they had been selling lots of batteries for Delicas.

It's really not that critical. Just get one with the right numbers.

...laura

[magicbus]

Thanks everyone for all your responses!

it is all greatly appreciated!!!

mike