Batteries losing charge

LI Pets · 09-29-2009, 06:48 AM

I have two 6V golf cart batteries that will usually last a few days with lights heat/fan and fridg/gas.

This past weekend they were drained by about 4am when we woke without heat.

So I hooked up to a friends gen and recharged in about 20-30 min.

Next night same thing.

Checked the batt connections and water all was good.

How can I find out what is drawing down the juice.

ROBERT CROSS · 09-29-2009, 07:11 AM

Fuse Buddy

This little gadget has been a big help finding circuit drain...

Got mine from Snap-on guy.

**azflycaster** · 09-29-2009, 07:23 AM

I doubt that a 20-30 minute charge is going to put much back into the batteries. You may not have been fully charged to start with.

Lumatic · 09-29-2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I doubt that a 20-30 minute charge is going to put much back into the batteries. You may not have been fully charged to start with.

I agree with the Flycaster. If the battery is drained it will take quite a few hours to recharge the batteries with a genny.

Based on the description I suspect the furnace fan was running but the furnace stopped heating.

LI Pets · 09-29-2009, 07:21 PM

I tested the power after 30 min, it showed 12.8.

The furnace was running all evening and cut out early am, I turned a light on it was barely lit.

**azflycaster** · 09-29-2009, 07:50 PM

The battery will show a higher level when you charge them. If you let them sit for 15 minutes after you stop charging, they will probably be lower.

The difference between 100% and 50% is only about 1/2 of a volt.

Lumatic · 09-29-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LI Pets

I tested the power after 30 min, it showed 12.8.

The furnace was running all evening and cut out early am, I turned a light on it was barely lit.

If you charged the battery sufficiently and it quickly looses charge suspect a bad battery. Did you wait after shutting off the converter before testing the voltage? I would test the battery voltage several times over a couple of hours with the battery disconnected. It would be normal to have a higher volt reading immediately after charging followed by a slight drop in voltage. If you test the voltage after several hours with the battery disconnected it should be just about the same. I would also take the battery, with or without the trailer, to a garage or autoparts store to do a load test. Also test the specific battery on all the battery cells. They should be close to the same voltage. One cell with a significantly lower voltage means the battery is bad.

Flycaster posted while I was writing mine. Looks like he is reading my mind again.

thecatsandi · 09-29-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LI Pets

I tested the power after 30 min, it showed 12.8.

The furnace was running all evening and cut out early am, I turned a light on it was barely lit.

Let them sit for a while before checking after charging. They will "settle down". You may only have 12.6 or less. If batteries went completely flat, they may be toast. The plates and chemistry are changed.

Alwhisman · 09-29-2009, 08:14 PM

How old are the batteries? (or did I miss that! lol)

When my battery goes, I'm going to set up three 21ah SLA's in parallel to increase my amp hours. I take care of equipment for the high school band and set their power supply (to run inverter) up that way and it works great. I like the longevity

LI Pets · 09-29-2009, 08:41 PM

Almost 3 years old

Alwhisman · 09-29-2009, 10:34 PM

Lots of good info here. 3 yrs old you should be okay. How many times they have been cycled, and possibly overcharged can shorten their life.....

.....just a basic thing, check and make sure your connections are nice and clean

Al

LI Pets · 09-30-2009, 02:05 AM

My univolt is long gone I use this

The WF-8955 model provides 55 amps and a clean, constant 13.6 Vdc nominal output, for reliable operation of electronics and appliances. Automatic three-stage charging extends the life of your battery with output voltage modes of 13.2 Vdc “float” mode, 13.6 Vdc “absorption” mode, and a 14.4 Vdc “bulk” charge mode. The 8900 Series also maintains peace and quiet, as the cooling fan runs only when needed.

ROBERT CROSS · 10-02-2009, 11:11 AM

It won't hold a charge.....

richinny · 10-02-2009, 11:44 AM

i'm going to put a c clamp in my emergency box right now. i hate to tie up the vice grips on the battery all the time.

if that slide bar was just a bit longer you could do a load test on the battery.