What did you do to your BJ?

[goldstar]

whats your preference on "exide" batteries vs other competition?

I really don't have a preference. The only reason I bought an Exide again was because the previous one lasted so long and it was the cheapest I could find at this time. I think Optima Red Top, Sears Diehard Platinum and Odyssey are at least as good, if not better, than the Exide, and any one of these would have been fine with me. However, all of these other brands were more expensive so I figured that the Exide was a good bet for now.

I had installed an Optima Red Top in my wife's '06 3 but since it was totaled I have no longevity data on it.

[FE3-323]

fair answer

[meGrimlock]

I too have an exide orbital. I got it 2 years ago and was hoping the battery would last a while, just last week, because of the cold, the battery died and needed a jump start. it still takes a few extra turns to start the car. this winter is the first real test of the battery. is this the sign of another part, perhaps the alternator that needs attention?

[goldstar]

Considering the longevity of my Orbital I would check the alternator output and have a load test done on the battery.

Happy Motoring!

[1Mazda323Fan]

+1. It has been rather cold out here recently (I'm in NoVA, not too far from you), but a 2-year old AGM battery should be more than capable of handling it. Check the belt tension/condition while you're at it; a loose alternator belt can reduce charging efficiency too. The terminals may need to be cleaned, as well. If that all checks out, you may have a bad cell or two.

[FE3-323]

installed my rear wiper motor (a used replacement-re greased really well)
just in time for a fresh snowfall- end result, I'm extremely happy to have my rear window visible again

[mx-3_4evr]

Looked at my P5 after finding out that I need new ball joints and said to myself: Why have I neglected you? You need a make over Protege 5! Build thread to be continued...

[FE3-323]

^ i didn't know you owned a P5....
PS the FE3 bolts right up to the FS transmission

[meGrimlock]

i'm losing brake fluid somehow. looking for signs of a leak under the hood, a couple Mormon missionaries offered to help (also trying to share their testimony). they pulled up in a rental car. I thought those guys just rode around on bicycles. mind blown.

[FE3-323]

^ standard cardboard under all 4 tires & let it sit overnight. check & find out which corner may be leaking. also check inside to see if its the master leaking.

[meGrimlock]

thanks, found the leak under the left (driver side) front control arm. it is dripping from the clutch master cylinder, where it threads to the hard pipe. the threaded nut was loose for some reason. wiped the area (got some damaged paint under the cylinder now) , re-tightened, topped off the fluid, bled the clutch a little. no leaks so far.

[FE3-323]

cardboard trick worked well then eh? glad to hear you found the issue& got it resolved.

[FE3-323]

Tore out the front engine mount to inspect how bad it was....... ordered a replacement. nuff said

[meGrimlock]

I hate that engine mount. the bushing has broken on me 2x, I don't even flog the car. I put RR-Racing polyurethane inserts in it. seems to be good, and better compromise to NVH of a full polyurethane bushing.

[FE3-323]

i hope mine doesn't shake to **** once i fill the new replacement mount.