7.3L diesel batterys.

[DeltaRed]

I have a '93 F350 with non turbo 7.3. The batterys are getting weak.Can I convert to a single group 31? Will one battery have enough poop? I have converted 3 of my large IH farm tractors(1256;1456;826) to a single 31. They all start fine,even in the coldest temps. So why not the F350? Thanks,Steve.

 

[thomlan05]

if it works on your 1456 I don't see why it wouldn't on your idi, as long as that battery will fit that is It should work, Looking online it seems as if you might have to make your own battery tray, but some simple Enginuity should solve that problem.

 

[onefarmer]

Should work. I've used one group 58 (original size) in my F250 PS and it was just fine. I always went back to two during the winter just in case though.

 

[Fritz Maurer]

I wondered about that since our first Diesel in '85. Short answer is yes , it will work. But, it's too tall and too long to fit between the inner fender and the core support.

The final conclusion was that it was easier to find two quality batteries that fit , rather than reworking the truck for a single 31.

It will start better if you snip the lead junction off the passenger side battery, where the positive cables come together, and solder on 1/2" cable lugs (eyes) to the ends of the cables.

Go to a truck shop and get a brass positive 2/0 clamp, and thread the hole to 1/2-20. Now you can screw the two positive cables right to the brass clamp.

 

[John T]

Sure one battery can “work” especially in warmer climates However if the one has far less CCA and far less energy storage capacity versus that of the two combined batteries and it’s extremely cold it might not get you started ???

Of course if the new single is heavy duty with adequate cca and energy storage and your preheat is working you will probably do fine no problem !!!!!!

It’s all about your total available cca and energy storage capacity. More is better esp if extreme cold but less can get you by in many cases. Your truck your money your choice not ours

John T

 

[caterpillar guy]

I'm in the will work but might be a bit light in cold weather and you get cold there in the winter. It will probably even work in the winter till the battery gets older and weaker. I do know on one of our Stiegers with just 2 batteries grp 31's if we have to much cranking the solenoid will stick and have to tap it to release the starter motor. I think we are going to have to go to 3 31's in the 1000cca to make those work on it.

 

[Destroked 450]

Group 31 is 1” longer and nearly 2” taller than the recommended Group 65 battery
I’d rather have the two 850 amp batteries over a single 1000 amp

 

[John T]

Group 31 is 1” longer and nearly 2” taller than the recommended Group 65 battery
I’d rather have the two 850 amp batteries over a single 1000 amp

X2. Two 850s (thinking cca) in parallel can deliver 1700 amps almost twice of the single 1000 amp. It’s when it’s extremely cold or a weak engine that the two give a better chance of starting. Either can still work of course.

John T

 

[G1000VISTA]

How long a life did the batteries you have now last? Are your glow plugs all working ? I had a 91 and got 5/6 years out of the two battery set up. I would stay with two that drop right in. My 0.02 .

 

[onefarmer]

Should work. I've used one group 58 (original size) in my F250 PS and it was just fine. I always went back to two during the winter just in case though.

OOPS it was a group 65.

 

[Bill in Colo]

I have a '93 F350 with non turbo 7.3. The batterys are getting weak.Can I convert to a single group 31? Will one battery have enough poop? I have converted 3 of my large IH farm tractors(1256;1456;826) to a single 31. They all start fine,even in the coldest temps. So why not the F350? Thanks,Steve.

Steve,I sure understand why I replaced mine in my 99 F 350 7.3 $525 for the pair.

 

[Destroked 450]

Steve,I sure understand why I replaced mine in my 99 F 350 7.3 $525 for the pair.

Good lord what brand batteries did you use?
Priced NAPA Legends recently for around $200 each, Walmart Everstarts for $140