Batteries, Batteries, Batteries, What do you use or recommend in a 914? Original Porsche Battery & Fuel Rail Recall Info Options

[tumamilhem]

I know there have been a couple threads mentioning this, but I thought it would be helpful to have a thread solitary to the discussion of batteries to compare and contrast the pros and cons of many options to make an educated and sound decision when buying the right kind of battery for your car. This will also serve as a good guide by seasoned owners for new 914 owners.

So I'll go first with the most obvious question, and actually a current one, as I am shopping around for a new battery for my car.

What (in your opinion) is the best battery to use in a 914 and why? This is a question I am curious about because I need a new battery.

Many 914 owners prefer the Optima due to its closed top to prevent leaking of acid that drains down into the notorious hell hole, eventually destroying the frame of the car if not tended to. This is a huge advantage. Typically, the type of Optima used is the Red Top / Size 34 Series.

I have used Interstate in the past. I don't find they last too long. I also had cranking issues sometimes. The battery would seam to wear down quicker if I needed to start it a few times.

I am currently trying to take advantage of the recall on the 914 which was the battery issue. I discovered that not only did Porsche provide the battery cover, but replaced fuel lines. I contacted Brumos Porsche (I live locally) inquiring if this was still done. Not only could they not bring up anything via my year and VIN number, but not the recall number either. So they had to make a few phone calls to dig deeper into their archives. It's been a week now and nothing yet.

Here is that recall information for your information:

Porsche 914 Fuel Rail Recalls
Recall Number: 77V105000
Owner Notification Date: July 12, 1977
Record Creation Date: October 12, 1979

Defect Description:
The Battery covers on the involved vehicles may be missing, damaged, or improperly installed. This condition could allow water to contact the top of the battery and mix with acid. This mixture could cause the fuel hoses to deteriorate and lead to fuel leakage.

Defect Consequence: n/a
Corrective Action: Dealer will install a new Battery cover and hold down clamp, and replace all fuel hoses in the engine compartment, without charge to owner.

So what battery do you recommend?

[Tom_T]

Peanut gallery id's aside.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Tommy - FYI you're not really out anything except maybe a plastic full battery cover, since the fuel lines would've been changed out over time to the "modern" non-fabric covered ones anyway. That's why I said to check with PCNA first to see if it was ever done on your 914(s), & if it was, move one & do it yourself if/when needed.

Also FYI - that HO Recall never did cover the tunnel plastic fuel lines at all - only the fabric covered rubber fuel HOSES INSIDE the engine bay ONLY.

I want to make those clarifications for any others hoping to get their HO Recall done on their 914(s), because all this back-n-forth & other SS tunnel fuel lines, etc. is confusing to say the least!

1 - It only applies to 914 which have NEVER had it done ONCE - only 1st time is FREE & is still required by NHTSA.

a - If PCNA has a record of it being done on your VIN &/or there is an HO Recall completion sticker on your 914 (see Jeff Bowlsby's website under Labels & Plates... for a pic of them) - then they will NOT do it.

b - If never done - then Porsche MUST do so IN THE USA ONLY by federal law as a MANDATORY NHTSA Safety Recall, with NO TIME LIMITS nor expiration. .... except your 914 expiring of course! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

2 - It only includes a new plastic full battery top cover, plus new rubber fuel hoses (non-fabric covered type) & the hose clamps as required INSIDE the engine bay from the tunnel lines to the fuel pump (if still mounted there), FPR, injectors, cold start device (5th fuel injector), etc.

There! ....clarified with zero quoting - you bunch of doofs! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)