MG Manawatu

A little something all of us should now be aware of is the gradual shift away from the conventional lead acid car batteries we are all used to, to the new calcium type batteries that are now prevalent in the market place. Calcium batteries are still lead acid but have calcium incorporated into the plates.

All the major new car manufacturers over recent years  now specify and manufacture their cars with calcium type batteries as factory standard. As the number of vehicles with these batteries has increased, the battery suppliers have been phasing out the old lead acid type and superceding these to the new calcium type batteries. Chances are if you have bought a new battery in the last couple of years it may well be a calcium type battery.

So what does this mean for us using older cars? Not a lot really – the new batteries are more efficient with better CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) ratings, casing sizes and terminal positions have altered in some cases, so fitment may require some adjustment. The biggest thing we need to be aware of in vehicles that are infrequently used is the problems with charging the battery particularly if it has become heavily discharged (flat!). A conventional battery charger will not fully charge a calcium battery. 

A 4-stage charge is used, specially designed for calcium batteries. Stage one (bulk or constant charge) quickly charges the battery while stage two, the absorption mode (constant voltage), ensures the battery is thoroughly charged. A third stage is the critical stage for calcium type batteries. It charges the battery to 16 Volts to remove any acid stratification and returns a full hydrometer reading. The final stage in the charging process (float), maintains the battery at a safe voltage ready for use.

Most garages and dealerships all now have specific calcium chargers and you can buy from auto accessory specialists calcium chargers for the home but the better ones of these are still relatively pricey.

My understanding is that a standard battery charger or permanent automatic trickle charger will maintain a calcium battery if it is not discharged. So if your battery has gone flat and it’s not that old and won’t appear to charge – you may have a calcium type battery that requires a calcium charger.

If anyone has further knowledge of this let me know and I will add it to this post.

Tags: Technical by Dom
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Makoura Lodge Breakfast Run 02/08/2009 Report by Liz & Neil. 

The weather did not start out too kindly for us (raining), but this did not stop a great turnout of 20 MG’s with 38 members.  We left on the dot of 8.30am on a “follow the leader” run to Makoura Lodge at Apiti.  The line of cars certainly looked very impressive going up Kimbolton Road, but unfortunately not that many up and about to see.

We had a good run passing through Cheltenham and Kimbolton, turning off to Apiti, just north of Kimbolton.  The scenery was still outstanding even on such a bleak day.  Arriving at Apiti, we turned off onto Makoura Road and even though there was gravel for 6 kms, it was quite smooth and plenty of corners for those who wanted to do a slide or two (not that anyone did, I think).

Arriving at Makoura Lodge, we were greeted with a huge open fireplace holding a roaring fire. When it was time to chow down, low and behold the sun decided to make its presence felt in the dining area, which helped to give a great atmosphere.  The clouds lifted too, giving us a tiny peak of the snow covered ranges.

Breakfast was duly served and there was plenty of it!  Well done Makoura Lodge. Everyone appeared to be pleased with the offering going by the full plates of Bacon, Fried Eggs, Hash browns, Sausages, Scrambled Eggs, and Tomatoes! There was also a great selection from the continental buffet as well.  So something for everyone.

John and Viv Eames then offered to take those that were interested, on a tiki tour to Mangaweka, via Rangiwahia, with a stop at the Mangaweka International Airport for more refreshments, if so desired.  At approximately 11.00 am 9 cars and 17 members headed away, after being farewelled by the staff at Makoura Lodge.

Tar seal led into more gravel and then tar seal again, with the papa hill side sliding away in some places, making for an interesting drive. We duly arrived at Mangaweka and made a bee line for more sustenance in the way of coffees, toasted sammies, muffins, etc.  A guided tour followed, led by Viv, who was proud to show us what Mangaweka had to offer.

A further invitation was then offered to view the progress of their new home, commanding magnificent views over the valley and beyond.  This was taken up by 9 members, who were duly entertained by “Filla” the sheep and “Val” the sheep dog!  You guys missed out on a truly unique experience!  For those that were not able to make it up the hill on foot, farm transport was provided by way of a four wheeler and trailer, which was proving another country thrill, slip, sliding over the paddocks!

Another brew was had by all, while we all admired the view and gave our opinion (the ladies that is) of how the new kitchen should look.  More entertainment followed, with a demonstration by “Val”, the sheep, dog rounding up the sheep, which nearly had them ending up in the dam!  Now that wasn’t her fault, she was only following instructions from the boss!

Anyway, thanks go to John and Viv for capping off the day to yet another great Club run.

Tags: Bulletin Board by Dom
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Hi everyone  – on the recent Coast to Coast Run, our MG group was spotted by a reporter for the Wairoa Star newspaper and Kath and Morris Gordon Bear ably assisted in the interview and the following appeared in The Wairoa Star on 19th May. I can print copies of the newspaper article if you would like Kath & Morris to sign them for you!

Tags: Bulletin Board by Dom
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