Massey 65 Diesel Battery

fixt

Member
A question about battery size for my tractor.

The battery that is in it is not long for this world. Specific gravity test shows a dead cell and the battery will not hold a charge over a week. It's pretty old and came in the tractor
I have seen recommendations for a minimum of 700 CCA for this tractor somewhere, I really don't remember where.

I have a deep cycle marine 685 CCA Autocraft that holds a great charge with good specific gravity readings on all cells. I made up new 2/0 cables with soldered ends and I'm very satisfied with them.

[b:567f609330]Will this 685 CCA battery be sufficient for the job?[/b:567f609330]
Or do I need to be planning on adding a new larger battery.
I think the current battery size is Group 34, again I don't really remember. Its a big one.
What do you guys think?
 
Diesels need to snap over quickly to start reliably.
Should be ok if you have a tractor that starts right up without extended cranking. I always buy the highest cold cranking battery I can find that will fit in the battery box no matter what the engine is. I'd rather have too much than not enough. IMO
 
For the MF 165 (pretty much the same tractor) 700 cca, if the starter is in good shape, and if the weather isn't super cold the 685 cca battery you have should do.
 

Nobody ever installed a battery with too many CAA. Nor have they installed cables that were too heavy. And never has any contact surface been too clean .
If the battery “ground” cable bolted to anything other than a starter mounting bolt . Obtain a longer cable .
Using a block heater ?
 

Since this came back up, I might as well update.

I put the 685CCA deep cycle battery in it and it starts no problems.
The ammeter charge shows about 5 amps or so for maybe 10 minutes after starting then levels out to zero.

Our coldest here when I tried starting it was about 20F (I hear some snickering from my northern brothers). It rolled it over fine but didn't want to start until I used the thermostart then it fired right up. So far all is good with the slightly undersize battery.
Longevity remains to be seen.
 
I have the reccomended 30H battery in my late model 65 diesel. I also have an indentical battery in the 165 gas so I can swap if need be. That diesel service battery will really crank the gasser.
 

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