LITHIUM CRANKING BATTERY | 1420CA PRO | Can it POWER the 4.5L V8 diesel? iTechWorld Starter Battery

Lithium is certainly becoming the future of overland travel, but is the technology ready for cranking our large capacity vehicles?

In this episode we dive deep into the specifications, features and testing of iTechWorld’s new lithium cranking battery, the 1420CA PRO. We conduct voltage test, capacity tests, cranking tests and freeze test to see how it performs. I install the battery into my Landcruiser and discuss some of the physical and chemical differences when compared with a traditional AGM battery.

If you are considering a lithium battery, particular an engine bay mounted cranking battery for your setup, this episode is not one to be missed.

Check out my under bonnet lithium video for a more traditional ‘deep cycle’ battery -

00:00 - Introduction
02:18 - Physical Differences
04:48 - Testing
05:23 - Capacity Test
11:08 - Cranking Test
13:54 - Freeze Test
17:50 - CCA's Test
21:36 - Installation
23:27 - Conclusion

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[Weston_Works]

Great work! Ok, you did this around a year ago but the availability of this battery now (Feb 2024) seems to be zero. It's not even listed on their website.

[jimmybrad]

If they're say 50% state of charge, will they overload a 60A alternator? Or have they got a charging-current limiting option somehow?

[mickwolf]

I wonder what lithium chemistry it is because lifepo4 batteries will be damaged when charging at 0°C and below, if it's lipo then that would be like having a bomb under the hood.

[MultiGhostDX]

Hey mate,
Just question 1:
what happens if BMS switch's to it safe mode Disconnect battery from alternator wont it fry your alternator
I was looking to change mine lead to lithium in Colorado, wont we need to run alternator protection device

it be great get your feedback or if you know good auto sparky.

Nice Video on testing side of things.

Cheers Luke.

[seymourscagnetti]

Lifepo4 needs a compatible charger. The vehicles charging system is not compatible. What is the "work-around"?

[DeanoGoogleo]

I am not sure about the iTECH world batteries but others run a bank a super capacitors to provide the initial CA.

[knuddreeen]

Hello from Germany, very interesting tests. I have two LiFePo4 batteries as board-batteries in my VW T6 California and when my AGM starter battery life ends, I change to LiFePO4 starter battery. Price is around 750-800 EURO. Have a nice day, Knud

[petesmimob]

SO REFRESHING THANK YOU. one question, do we yet know how to identify when a Lithium battery with BMS, is about to fail.?? Many thanks for your most excellent video. Best regards Pete

[jasonsabeeney]

Great video, very professional and informative both technically and from a practical perspective. Love your channel and approach it’s second to none. I am interested in the more technical approach as a 4WD instructor and enthusiast and you provide exactly that.

[ElarMack-ciof]

Most BMS MOSFETS WILL EVAPORATE when asked to supply/pass more heavy current than what the BMS is rated for. ie, maybe be double for a few seconds. How does the ITECH world lithium pass 1900 amps without destroying the MOSFETS?

[muhannad]

How does it perform on a daly use and high temperature, 45c
Big thanks, regards

[ausguy]

So are they faulty and recalled...
I have spoken to many that say they are.... since the website has zero available still. Seems likely...

LOL 😆 the cranking amps for lithium is 10sec test they did 5 seconds...

They are also 60ah... 1099 each.
DCS is 3700 for duel 130ah or 260 vs 120 with two of these...

For size and use these are pointless...

[JafffaAdventures]

I was born and lived in Canada for a good part of my life and can add through first hand experience that it’s not only the cold temp of a battery that creates challenges. The BIGGEST issue by far is the viscosity of the engine oil at very cold temperatures. It will literally be the consistency of molasses. Now imagine a starter trying to spin a crankshaft through something that thick. The additional current draw in that scenario is massive and everything but the largest CCA and healthiest of batteries will struggle. Throw in the fact that it is much more difficult to atomise and ignite the fuel/air mixture in a freezing climate and you can see why batteries only make it through a couple of winters before they need replacing. I guess that’s why some bright spark invented block heaters for cold climates.
On a seperate note, I wonder if Itech would have provided you with a freebie if your comparison was against another lithium start battery 🤔.

Nice work on the testing mate. I have always stated I will replace my lead start with a lithium when it dies. The weight savings is the only convincing I need. Cheers from Jafffa Adventures 😎👍

[leblancexplores]

Take it apart, let’s see what they’re doing inside. Are they limiting charge/discharge? Does it have a heater?

[Spookiiee]

Bought 1 of these about 2 years ago, still working well. Given a high voltage always trying to charge my second battery long after vehicle is off. This will still crank with the voltage drop.

I'm more concerned about winching. Im yet to test it

[scetchport]

I purchased one of these starting batteries about 3 years ago.
First problem i had was when my 6lt SS engine was running and battery reached full charge the altenator warning dings and flashing began on dash.
Problem i worked out was the battery bms shut incoming charge to protect battery, the altenator was in charge mode and then had like a return surge current.
This i found can easily fry diodes.
I tech said turn headlights and radio, fan on when driving or engine idling.
Yes it works, but don't forget.
Next, if storing vehicle for a month or more, disconnect the battery, it can be drained by vehicle computer.
Battery if charged will start vehicle easily several months later on reconnecting cable.
And occasionally, not often i get home, lock vehicle and next morning engine won't start.
Test battery 11.5...almost flat.
Yes can use a power pack to jump it.
I think there were many complaints initially.
I've adapted, but my SS is my occaisonal sunday drive, garaged usually.
Hope that helps.

[CamperKev]

Another excellent video. Many thanks for doing that test, as I have been considering a Lithium cranking battery. Regarding your statement that we are never going to reach minus 20C in Australia. Never say never. 😁 It has already happened and the coldest recording was at Charlotte Pass in NSW on the 29th of June 1994. It reached minus 23 C. As we all know, it's not a common occurrence in Australia, hence I don't think it will be an issue when buying a battery. 😁👍🏼🇦🇺

[scottyd]

You Have the longest Comments i have ever seen.

[westoz]

Anyone ran a winch off these lithium batteries

[paulvictor]

I think there is an issue if you try to charge a lithium battery in sub zero. That could be a problem in the high country in winter.