When I tried to start Jennifer today (first time since November) she was deader than a doornail. Despite the fact that I'd had her on a battery tender all winter. I guess it's time for a new AC Delco. Trouble is when I pulled the batter, I found the front edge of the battery hold-down plate was broken off.

Questions:

When I tighten the new battery in using only the back part, will it hold?

If I need a new one, how does the old one come out? I appeared that the coolant overflow is connected to the battery hold-down.

If I need a replacement, how much should I expect to pay? Anyone got a good clean one?

Thanks!

 

Yea it's part of the coolant overflow bottle so you would have to buy that to get the battery tray.
I'm not sure how much they are I replaced mine a very long time ago.
I run an optima battery and they must have redesigned the battery and it won't go under the front hold down so only then rear hold down is holding it in place.
So know problem there.
To get it out you have to disconnect the overflow line and I think there is one bolt that holds it down.
You will have to play with it a little to get it out but it will come out.
The tube in the center will just pull out.

 

GM PART # 10402687
Battery tray/coolant reservoir
GM LIST: $50.50
WHOLESALE PRICE: $29.94

 

Thanks Shoe! Do you think I'll need it?

 

Well, if you want the battery to be secure, it can't be broken, eh? Consider getting a new clamp bolt, too. They tend to get rusty and deteriorated from battery acid. Also inspect the pipe/hose going into the reservoir while you are at it. Sadly, that part has been discontinued.

 

The alternative would be to make a strap from aluminum stock. Bottom of bracket bolts to stock location. Didn't have the top bolt in place in this photo:

http://www.injuneer.com/images/photo...ne/Braille.jpg

 

Ordered a replacement today when I picked up the battery. They gave it to me for $42. My car is so clean under hood that my bolts just needed a little grease on the threads. Drain pipe and tubing look like new.

FYI, once I got it out, it was clear to me a replacement was needed. I was thinking maybe the battery would jam in with the rear clamp against the front body work. After pulling it all out, I see that's not a good plan Thanks for all the guidance!

 

incredibly weak design, notice that the rear wedge puts pressure on the (back) bottom of the battery which clamps it against the front notch not to move. It's easy to torq it to tight and break the plastic resivour

 

Yes, I did notice. The replacement came today and it has ribs cast into the front edge that strengthen the design (a little). I was sort of pissed that the notch where the drain line goes into the holder plate was melted/cast flawed. I guess it would have been put into a car back in 2002 if it had been a number 1 item... Oh well, it's under the battery and can't be seen -- still I know it's there.

 

I did the same thing and made a battery hold down strap, except with 2" wide, 1/8" or 3/16" thick metal (can't remember exactly) that I bought a length of at the local home improvement store. I drilled and bent it in a vise with the aid of a 3lb hammer, then painted it black. The cost was next to nothing.

 

 

^^^Not exactly fitting for Jennifer... LOL.

 

That's what I'm using.