alt. upgrade...

Right. That's why a voltage test is no way to accurately test a batteries amperage and reserve capacity. Takes a load test to do that.

Can't count how many times I've volt tested good results only to find the battery has no reserve capability left.

 

So you're yet to learn not to believe everything on net.?
To demonstrate this flawed method, I just measured six batteries using a $300 Simpson meter we used in electronics repair.

'98 Grand Marquis last ran approx 18 hours ago.
Two year old EverStart, voltage 12.30. Cranked fine a few minutes later to move into shade.

'07 Grand Marquis not started in approx four days, driven day before that.
Five year old Deka, voltage 11.98, cranked as strongly as '98.

'96 F150, another no run for four days.
New(six weeks ago) $49 Walmart, voltage 12.61

'72 Comet, ran approx two weeks ago.
One & half year old $49 Walmart, voltage 12.42

'69 Cobra Jet, last ran approx 10 days ago.
One & half year EverStart from Walmart, voltage 12.68

'97 F-350 U-Haul 460, last ran approx 11 months ago, battery not charged since.
Thirteen year old(that's right 13) Super Crank, built by Exide, voltage 12.22(bought at Walmart Sept '05)
I tried to start and it cranks fine, fuel pump not activating(common issue on this after setting)
For good measure I put charger on battery. I'll have to reverse polarity the fuel pump to shock it into operating.

 

I also read this on the net...what's your point...

To demonstrate this flawed method, I just measured six batteries using a $300 Simpson meter we used in electronics repair.

'98 Grand Marquis last ran approx 18 hours ago.
Two year old EverStart, voltage 12.30. Cranked fine a few minutes later to move into shade.

'07 Grand Marquis not started in approx four days, driven day before that.
Five year old Deka, voltage 11.98, cranked as strongly as '98.

'96 F150, another no run for four days.
New(six weeks ago) $49 Walmart, voltage 12.61

'72 Comet, ran approx two weeks ago.
One & half year old $49 Walmart, voltage 12.42

'69 Cobra Jet, last ran approx 10 days ago.
One & half year EverStart from Walmart, voltage 12.68

'97 F-350 U-Haul 460, last ran approx 11 months ago, battery not charged since.
Thirteen year old(that's right 13) Super Crank, built by Exide, voltage 12.22(bought at Walmart Sept '05)
I tried to start and it cranks fine, fuel pump not activating(common issue on this after setting)
For good measure I put charger on battery. I'll have to reverse polarity the fuel pump to shock it into operating.[/QUOTE]

 

Point is, you haven't a clue whether that article is accurate or not.

 

But enough "D" Cell batteries together one could get 12 volts.

 

Only need eight . Give you 12V @ probably ½ amp. Maybe 1A using quality alkaline.

Since starter requires around 300 amps to crank engine, 8 x 300 = 2400 batteries. Or 300 groups of eight connected in series, with each group connected parallel to next. Gonna take a lot of wire.

If you go for Dollar Store specials, double above figure.

 

Frank, out of curiosity, did you replace your existing alternator with a higher output one, or did you have your alternator rebuilt and upgraded?

 

kept mine just upgraded it to a 200 amp...

 

thanks Mr Mc D.
got a smaller pulley and at 730 RPMs (idle) with everything on it stays above 13.9V.
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