6v charging issue
 

Hi guys,

My batt was dead so I hooked it up to my 6v/12v charger. The batt is pretty new but after a few hours the charge indicator seem to freeze around 50%. It was steadily heading up until that mark.

Is that normal? Should I let it charge longer? Should I check the batt fluid levels? - I know they aren't empty, but I'm not sure how full they should be. I know nothing about 6v batteries of battery fluid.

Thanks all,
Carl

Re: 6v charging issue
 

With wet cell lead acid batteries only fill to cover plates till charged--- the level will rise as it charges
Did the battery get hot or smell bad?
If you try to start the car now what happens?

Re: 6v charging issue
 

No, it didn't get hot or smell. The car slowly spins a couple times then stops. I've checked all connections. Everything is spotlessly clean and tight.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

What charging rate [charger] are you using ? Try a slow charge over night. Make sure the cells are covered as mentioned. Did you remove/ clean and reinstall the cables ? You should also hydrometer check it.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

In 6v mode the charge can only be set to 6amps. For 12v it can be set to 6amp or 2amp. I will check the cells, but they certainly had fluid in them, from 1/2 to 3/4 best I could tell.

Yes, I did remove, clean and reinstall the cable. They were spotless before and after. The connection is also clean and tight at the starter and body (ground).

I'll need to get a hydrometer and learn to use it.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

I took one like that back to where I bought it and they said that I should charge it overnight, they charged it at their charger for free and it came up to full the next day. I don't remember charging them that long years ago but maybe they are different now.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

A hydrometer for batteries will tell you what the specific gravity of the electrolyte is as long as it is a conventional type battery. A dead cell won't charge so the specific gravity will remain low on that cell. A variable rate charger is best since it will reduce the charge rate as the battery gets closer to a normal charge. If a battery gets hot during charging, it can indicate a high resistance connection inside. Voltage readings can be taken while charging or at rest if you have a multi-meter.

Battery chargers for 6-volt sometimes leave a lot to be desired. If a person has two 6-volt batteries, they can be charged as a 12-volt battery if connected in series with each other.

I like to charge at no more than a 3-amp rate. If a battery is good, it will be bubbling hydrogen gas out on all three cells at full charge. If a cell doesn't out gas it's likely not taking a charge.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

Does the voltage change during charging or the amperage? Which is a better test to see if the batt is charging?

Re: 6v charging issue
 

At 6 amps it'll take awhile to charge.

I didn't think to ask what your vehicles charge rate is and whether it has a generator or alternator. If a stock generator then the charge rate is adjustable by removing the rear band and moving the 3rd brush.

The cells need to be completely covered.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

I'm running an alternator.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

And I just checked, my cells are covered with water. I’m going to let it charge some more and keep an eye on it.

Thanks all!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: 6v charging issue
 

Disconnect one or both cables, Only add distilled water. There is a circular rib near the bottom of the holes - fill to the rib. Charge at 6 VOLTS. If you do not have a 6v-12v charger I wouldn't continue. If you do have a 6volt position use the lower amp setting for a longer time. When i saw that you referred to battery fluid I knew You should find some reading material and keep it nearby. HIT A BOOKSTORE for a basic auto book. There are many precautions to be aware of. You may not be asking the right questions.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

All-
Here's my "rule of thumb" for charging a Model A 6 volt battery:
To fully charge a dead battery, it takes 80 amp-hours to fully charge it.

What does that mean?

If you charge at 4 amps, it will take 20 hours. (80/4=20)

If you charge at 8 amps, it will take 10 hours.

I think you can figure it out from there.

:cool:

Re: 6v charging issue
 

Very helpful, thanks!

Re: 6v charging issue
 

How old is the battery?? Take it out and have it load tested. If good, continue charging and see what happens. JMO What voltage do you read at this point with the charge ??
Paul in CT

Re: 6v charging issue
 

How long did the battery sit dead? I think any thing over several weeks the battery is going to loose it's ability to take a full charge. Just my $ .02 worth
JB

Re: 6v charging issue
 

Good questions. I was driving it around in the fall, I guess that's when it got it's last full charge. It sat all winter with the battery attached and when I went to start it, it was pretty drained, but of course I kept trying until it was dead.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

Update.

I think my charger indicator is funky, it charged all day and never moved much past 50% but when I started the car it turned over as normal. It didn't start, but that because I think I flooded it. I'll try again tomorrow.

Thanks all!

~ Carl

Re: 6v charging issue
 

My question about charge rate [ vehicle] was not answered.
An alternator has a parasitic draw, so, letting the car sit all winter without charging the battery or disconnecting it will drain the battery and possibly drain it beyond usefulness.

Re: 6v charging issue
 

Hi Patrick,

Sorry, I don't know the charge rate. When the car is in use the battery stays well charged.

Tell me more about the parasitic alternator, I had no idea. How does that happen? What causes the discharge?

~ Carl