volor

Well - short runs will certainly drain the battery over a period of time, especially with all the accesories being run :), but a good overnight trickle charge should return it to health, until it needs the next boost. The way I have read the post is that the battery actually dies and cannot hold charge..... If that is the case it could be something like the Voltage Regulator in the altenator may not be to clever and is overcharging and leading to overheating the battery, which will eventually kill it. I take it you have tried to trickle charge it, and it won't hold charge? Also am assuming it is a sealed unit.

Just a quick thought but is the right amp battery being installed? To low an amp battery especially for crank load will work fine during the summer, but when you get to winter, all the oils (engine/gearbox) thicken up and the battery cannot spin the engine fast enough, and can lead to flooding. Seen a number of V6's fitted with smaller batteries than required, especially auto's and in some cases supplied like that from new by the manufacturer. I tend to check using an internet based battery supplier. Not for the 1st time have I bought a car fitted with the wrong rated battery from day one.

Have you tried resetting the Audio System by removing the Fuse to it. Have seen the CD get out of sync with the Head Unit, on a number of units in various cars, especially after a Battery change. (Make sure you have security No. B4 you pull the fuse to reset system).

Having just done the same a few weeks back (after 10 months of investigations), I recommend doing a bit of Homework 1st. Early V8's used Nikasil coating which could wear, moved to liners in 2001/2 ish (plenty of info about ii on the net), Timing Tensoner issues, and Water Pump, are the 3 things you must be aware of, and satisfied yourself that they have either been sorted, or there is not a risk of them failing. Look for Full Service History, and walk around to see if the car has been looked after...... Otherwise could not recommend enough... Petrol Consumption is good considering it is a V8, and better than the various V6's I have. Price is about right for age/Mileage. Make sure all the electrics are working, especially check AC and heating and that it happily cools/heats up (Engine must be hot for this test.... there is a known valve issue). Good Luck in your search.......