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.
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.
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.