Does anyone know of a viable lightweight alternative to a standard Gill G-25 (or similar) battery? The battery is mounted aft of the baggage on my C150/150TD. Besides lightening the airplane up in general, if I could shed a few pounds at that station it'd really help move the CG forward which wouldn't hurt any thing either.
I see that Odyssey does have an "FAA-approved" version of one of their drycell batteries, but apparently it's only approved for the PA-18 & 19. But at least it's approved for something, that'd make it easier (I hope) to get a field approval to install in my airplane. They spec it out as having 680 cranking amps, how does that stack up against a Gill G-25? It's kind of apples to oranges: amp-hours versus cranking amps.
That Odyssey is about 9 pounds lighter than a G-25, plus it wouldn't need the big (heavy) battery box, only a (lighter) hold-down bracket. It should total at least 12 pounds less weight for the installation- a considerable savings.

Eric

The Odyssey is definitely the way to go. Many planes here in AK have it (including my Champ). You will love the strong cranking - downside is the low reserve capacity. Not sure if this forum has 337s, but a copy of one done for your model may help with approval in your area.

I've seen it crank vapor locked IO-540's. I'm sure there is enough there for You. There have been several field approvals.

I had an Odyssey on the fire wall of my previous 182B. It was supplied by Bill Reed who is on this forum from time to time. PM me and I will give you his e-mail.

When it is time to replace my heavy aft battery I will go with the fire wall mount Odyssey on my current 182B

Tim

Check the Concorde version. GMAT batteries may be lighter. No guarantees.

I have the correct Concord recombinant gas in my Maule. It is a little heavier than the G-35 it replaced. Is GMAT the same thing as the sealed recombinant gas?

Yep same beast.

I have had mine so long I could not remember the weight difference.

I personally feel the Concorde is worth the money and extra weight.

There was a vented flooded lead acid battery back there and it pretty well ate up the battery tray and the fabric around it at one time or another.

The Powersafe SBS J16 battery (PN0769-4005) is just like the Odyssey and it is now an FAA/PMA battery. It's available @ Batteries Plus. It cranks well and doesn't lose a charge like a lead acid battery.

To be legal, you will have to get a field approval unless you have a Super Cub.

Desert185 wrote:The Powersafe SBS J16 battery (PN0769-4005) is just like the Odyssey and it is now an FAA/PMA battery.

Pretty sure it is made by Odyssey


tim

qmdv wrote:I had an Odyssey on the fire wall of my previous 182B. It was supplied by Bill Reed who is on this forum from time to time. PM me and I will give you his e-mail.

When it is time to replace my heavy aft battery I will go with the fire wall mount Odyssey on my current 182B

Tim

I'm here see http://www.edmaircraft.com/ 97 installs so far.
Bill Reid EDM Aircraft.

How does the starting power of the Odyssey's 680 cranking amps stack up versus the Gill's 25 amp-hours? In between the long cables & the old-fangled Prestolite starter on my O-320, the almost new G-25 ain't any too much battery.

Eric

qmdv wrote:

Desert185 wrote:The Powersafe SBS J16 battery (PN0769-4005) is just like the Odyssey and it is now an FAA/PMA battery.

Pretty sure it is made by Odyssey


tim

Probably is. It looks exactly like the Odyssey.

HotRod,
You will be amazed. It spins like there's a new starter. Even at -15* and being as far aft as one could get it.

Speaking of lightening 'er up -- what's the hot set-up for a starter? I see skytech makes three different ones for the Lycoming-- the lighter they are the cheaper they are,but probably the less starting power they have too. I see that B&C and Kelly Aerospace both make them too. Oh, choices choices....I don't necessarily want to go as light as possible, the CG doesn't need to move further aft so I'm primarily concerned with good cranking power here. Or does my standard Prestolite starter crank as good as the fancy ones?
BTW, my battery is damn near new & the starter is in good shape so I'm not looking at upgrading either one right away, but I want to be prepared down the road.

Eric