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 Looks like my battery is dead		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/25/2004 :  11:24:35  Show Profile
Hi All,

I bought this little thingamajig from WM made by Minkota that tests your batteries and tells you how full or how low they are. One of my house batteries was pretty low so I took it home and hooked it up to the charge for two days. After I removed the charger, I used the tester and the battery read full. A day later, while the battery was still in my basement, the battery test showed it was dead. Is it safe to say this battery is beyond hope? It is the same battery from when I bought the boat late in 2002, so I don't really know how old it is.

Thanks ya'll,
Ben
Beneteau 361
Viking Kitty
Columbus, Ohio
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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2004 :  11:53:00  Show Profile
I'd say yes, it's dead. I think most people, including me, typically use voltage of 12.6 or more to indicate a fully charged battery, but I understand that a fully charged battery like yours may not be able to provide very many amp-hours (it self-drained completely in one day), thus it's essentially dead. I'm not that great at this e-stuff -- hopefully others more knowledgable can clarify.

For reading voltage, I use a small, self-contained digital voltage meter that plugs into the cigarette lighter. I got it for about $10 at an auto parts store.
Edited by - RichardG on 08/25/2004 13:10:48
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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2004 :  13:44:53  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
Yeah, it's past the end of its useful life. Probably a bad cell. It may be possible to "equalize" it but why bother. You can get a new one at WalMart or Costco for $40.
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bren737
Captain

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291 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2004 :  13:48:17  Show Profile
I use a 'plug-in' meter like Richard; $8.00 at AutoZone. Here's a pic:
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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2004 :  14:15:31  Show Profile
That's exactly the one -- it spends most of the time out of the way in the drawer.
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Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2004 :  14:18:38  Show Profile
Bren,

I agree with Jim: time for a a new one. Most stores will give you some credit if you turn in the old one for recycling.

That little meter is a nifty idea, and you can't beat the price! It would also be useful for those using solar panels or other charging devices so you don't cook the batteries. The cabinet is terrific. Was that a DIY project, "store-bought, or what?
Edited by - Jeff McK on 08/25/2004 14:19:31
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bren737
Captain

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291 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2004 :  19:32:00  Show Profile
Jeff,

Ditto the use for the solar panel. I've got one hooked up to keep the battery topped off, as there is no power available where I dry-slip my boat.

The cabinet is DIY. I piddle around with woodworking, too. Kind of an 'artsy' thing, though. I've got to be in the right kind of mood to do it.
Edited by - bren737 on 08/25/2004 19:33:11
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.