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Trying to help a friend

Discussion in '308/328' started by PaulC, Jul 12, 2006.

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  1. PaulC

    PaulC Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2003
    1,407
    San Antonio, TX
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #1 PaulC, Jul 12, 2006
    We took the battery out of his 79 308 b/c it would not take a charge. they no longer make his battery and the one they gave him appears that the pos/ neg are not the switched ( pos being a smaller post than the Neg). Is it possible that his 308 was one of the unfortunate cars with the positive ground? Any help is appreciated.
    paul
     
  2. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #2 Bullfighter, Jul 12, 2006
    Not sure the 328 battery is the same, but I bought an MT34R Interstate for mine, and it has the terminals in the correct (switched) positions. You do need to specify this when you buy a battery.

    I can't comment on the positive ground...
     
  3. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
    2,655
    Boulder, CO
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    Mike
    #3 Mike328, Jul 12, 2006
    I've NEVER heard of a positive ground 308--I think that would throw everything off, the car is definitely set up for negative ground (i.e., dome light, horn, seatbelt, etc.).

    If you just need a regular replacement battery, then that's easy.

    Have a look at this thread:

    Any REAL advantage of Optima Red Top Batteries vs. Interstate?
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65058
     
  4. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    36,427
    Birmingham, AL
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    Tommy
    #4 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Jul 13, 2006
    me either . I don't think there is such an animal
     
  5. PaulC

    PaulC Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2003
    1,407
    San Antonio, TX
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #5 PaulC, Jul 13, 2006
    The Red lead is connected to the chassis. He took the old battery in to the shop and left it there so I have no frame of reference anymore. Not only that he left town for 2 weeks so we will continue the project when he gets back. I will check the links you provided. He did read to me over the phone that some cars had a positve ground but there were not many due to the accelerated rust and heavy buildup in the radiators. I will do some more checking but I will not have access to the car until he gets back.

    Thanks again
     
  6. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #6 Verell, Jul 13, 2006
    All 308s had alternators, hence negative ground. The negative battery cable does go to a red disconnect connector that bolts to ground. Is that what you're seeing?
     
  7. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #7 Perfusion, Jul 13, 2006
    Same battery I've got... Mine might be just an MT34 (no "R"), but I think that's just which side the + and - terminals are located on... "R" is reversed, or something?
     
  8. PaulC

    PaulC Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2003
    1,407
    San Antonio, TX
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #8 PaulC, Jul 13, 2006

    But the entire cable is red as well. I am sure it was put there out of laziness or necessity. Either way I will connect it as everyone has said and see if it starts.

    Thanks
     

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