Running Problems Related To Battery?

[ManxCornsy]

Hello all,

Car: 1995 Rover 620i 90k (well loved) miles

A couple of months ago I was sat in my car listening to the radio with the engine off when the whole car died - I'd flattened the battery. The battery was about 6 years old so I replaced it for a new one.

As I drove home after replacement, the car was struggling when the engine was idling. Trying to cut out before correcting itself back up to (roughly) 700-800rpm. After a couple of days it seemed to correct itself, but now it tends to cut out in the mornings whilst the engine is still cold, then occasionally reverts back to struggling at idle.

Spooky thing is, a colleague of mine who has a similar aged car (albeit a different make) ALSO had his battery die the following month, and he's had similar problems with his car since having the replacement - any ideas?

I've been told that the battery should have no effect on the running of the engine once the car is started, but it just seems too much of a coincidence.

Thanks

Paul

[TWR]

If the battery is completely flat it will cause the car to run rough, is the fan belt tight? do you have a faint Red light come up on your dash at night? if so, alternator, do you often sit in the car just putting the radio / heater / wipers / on? if so, you are taking out of the battery but not going far enough to recharge. the battery should last more than 6 years depending how you use the car & Electrics.

[malagabob]

TWR if manxCornsy were to drive the car with lights on high beam, and the car would start to shudder, pointing to poor alternator output wouldnt it.