The old starter battery was showing signs of fatigue with the terminal voltage dropping plus I was sick of having to take out the washing machine and floor boards to get at it, in order to top up the electrolyte levels.
![](http://66.media.tumblr.com/ad41e0d74a2c196690bc10c3bba323ba/tumblr_inline_o5offgdtk51s2pxhg_540.jpg)
So, I sought out one of the new AGM starter batteries – originally designed for these new stop/start cars. Alpha batteries had one which looked suitable. AGM means it never needs topping up and could, if necessary be left unattended for months without losing its charge.
![](http://66.media.tumblr.com/e8454407e2baf0bb88fcbe120bdbcc63/tumblr_inline_o5oficiUbw1s2pxhg_540.jpg)
Three hours later … . and the new one was in – it caused the engine to explode into life when I tried starting – brilliant. A battery with oomph. I also wired in the second voltage cable to the Smartgauge so I can see the voltage.