[sivioke]

So after the first helpfull hint that saved me from buying new electronics I am wondering if there is someone out there that can tell me about batteries now. Two are old like 8 years give me some run time but my car is not quite as fast as I remember, The other is like 4 or five years old same thing??? How long do batteries last and where is a good place to find them?? Also what do i loook for in new batteries??

[JohnMuchow]

If not being severely abused, cells should last for years. After 8 years, those cells might be on their way out. But...

If these are NiCd or NiMH cells, have you occasionally discharged them down to approximately 0.9V/cell (or further, using a discharge tray)? If not, the performance of these cells can suffer as certain internal changes can occur that reduce the capacity of the cell and lower its voltage while being used. Overcharging cells can cause these undesired changes too.

[highroller]

The oldest battery type I have is some 1200SCR most are used for powering lathes or motor breakin and most of those are dying. There isn't a real good answer to how long a cell will last but as it goes bad, it starts charging warmer, may even leak, usually goes thru a period that it may take longer to charge or charge sooner length of time it runs will decline as cell ability to hold and deliver current continues to break down.
If you are looking into purchasing some new packs, have a pretty good charger go with the GP3300 these are available from many places and prices.
Since they are of NIMH makeup you should use a charger that has an adjustable voltage detect feature or try to get some 2400 Nicads if you have an older charger. 8 years it is probably time for new packs.