Thanks for the info but all I am saying is that the OP needs to have the battery load tested and, if it fails, replace it. As for a replacement, there are plenty of battery options with higher CCA ratings that will fit in the OEM battery box. I would not replace it with another battery rated less than 350CCA; at least 400CCA, JMHO. We don't know the CCP of the OPs bike which is what we are trying to establish and he needs a fully charged battery to get accurate results. BTW, he does not have compression releases.

CCP in my 98" is 215psi and I run a lithium battery rated at 650CCA and I always use the compression releases.

 

Heard a bit about the lithium HD batteries when they first came out. Did not realize the CCA was so high, 650, that's crazy. Might consider for my next battery

Edit: just assumed it was an HD branded battery?

Jim

 

Agreed about load testing/replacement if necessary.

As I said, I can't speak for lithium batteries. I have zero experience with them. The CCP in Reaper's engine is 205 psi, and the Yuasa battery has no problem cranking it over when I forget to push in the releases. Cranks slower, but gets the engine running, hehe... that said, you can never have TOO much CCA, so go for the highest rated one you can find, in a reliable brand. I've had great performance, and longevity, from Yuasa GZ20HL batteries, so I stick with them, and recommend them. BTW, I have my DTT TC88A programmed to wait for 2 revolutions of the engine before firing a spark, as well, to prevent the engine kicking back.

Cheers!

 

Forgetting to push the releases is not the same as not having releases. If you didn't have them the longevity of that battery would suffer as indicated by the slower cranking. So, keep using the releases.

 

Not an HD battery; Anti-Gravity rated at 680CCA. Lithium batteries are a bit pricey but IMHO, worth the upcharge.

 

Oh, I agree. I use them religiously. Just every now and then, I forget to push them in. It's rare, but does happen. And yep, without them the batteries wouldn't last long, that's why I have the CRs.

Even with a higher CCA battery, I would have CRs installed in any built engine, and use them religiously, as you do with yours.

I think, ultimately, if the OPs engine has a higher compression build on it, I would recommend that he have compression releases installed, regardless of the battery he chooses.

Cheers!

 

From what little I have looked and read and what not, it looks like all it requires is drilling and tapping the head? I happen to be a machinist (for the last 24 yrs) and am pretty sure I can handle that LOL

 

I agree with Clammy that compression releases are worth installing regardless of battery CCA rating.

I am sure you can manage drilling and installing compression releases but first you have to get the heads off which leads to other issues like making sure the cylinders don't move during, after or when reinstalling the heads so as not to disturb the cylinder base o-ring seal to the case. Furthermore, once the heads are off, why not clean them up, valve job, replace guide seals, maybe even send them off for a street port? So, give it some thought before digging in.

I also suggest that you invest in the OEM service manual for your bike; lot's to learn and the service manual contains a wealth of knowledge for the DIY guy.

 

I am thinking this bike will run without compression releases for a while. Surely it was before I bought it. And like you said, once you start digging, its hard to find a place to stop. I have read about the OEM manual on here off and on. I have always used the Clymer on my bikes. Is the OEM more complete/thorough/accurate?

 

Don't waste your money on the Clymer manual and pony up for the OEM manual; the Clymer doesn't come close. Let's find out what your actual CCP is and go from there.