Re: (ET) Charger Problems?

["Don Cohen" <bond007d netsync net>]

When my batteries are basically fully recharged, I believe my charger is
putting out about 42V (can't remember exactly, but at least 42V). You need
at least 40-42V for a decent equalizing charge and to prevent 
stratification
(acid concentration is greater at bottom of battery - not properly mixed
with the water). Specific gravity should ideally be about 1.265. Much 
lower,
and not really a complete charge (batteries may have a longer useful 
battery
lifetime, but lower point of use duration) and much higher, and the acid
eats plates quicker (longer point of use duration, but shorter useful
battery lifetime). Also, the specific gravity readings for the individual
cells of each battery in the pack should ideally not deviate more than .005
to .010.

Don C.

----- Original Message -----
From: marty canada <emcanada yahoo com>
To: <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2001 10:51 AM
Subject: (ET) Charger Problems?


> After 17 years of working 6 days a week at 10 to 12 hours a day. I
suddenly
> find myself working 5 days and 38 hours per week.
>
> With this new found largess of time I intend to restore the E-15 I bought
> from a doctors estate three years ago. I will try to keep the list
informed
> on the progress (if any) of my endeavor.
>
> My problem, however, is not with my E-15. Yesterday (6-14) I bought an
E-12
> with new batteries and 6 used batteries. I also got the mower deck, a
chain
> saw and an ingenious combination front lift and fork for moving material.
The
> man I bought it from used the lift, fork combo for moving manure from the
> barn to a small garden.
>
> When the tractor arrived the fuel gage indicated almost full. I attached
> the mower and started using my new "baby". Within 15 minutes it just made
it
> back to the garage to be plugged in. I set the charger at the 1 to 2 year
> indicator thinking that perhaps the batteries had never had an initial
charge
> During the charging process I did some volt meter checks. Each battery
read
> 6.22 v or higher up to 6.30 which seems pretty well balanced to me. The
> total battery pack read 37.20 v with the charger off. With the charger
> running the pack read 39.70 v. After 4 hours the fuel gage read past 
> full.
> Again I take off to mow. This time I struggle back to the garage after
about
> 20 mins with the fuel gage reading empty. At this time I am pretty well
> disgusted so I plug it in and leave it to charge over night.
>
> This morning when I went to check it after 12 hours of charging the fuel
> gage is still below full by 1/4 of an inch. The pack voltage is 37.2 and
> each battery is reading 6.02 to 6.12 v. I am going to the store today and
> pick up a good hydrometer and will report on those results if needed,
later
> today. While using the tractor yesterday I kept my eyes on the usage 
> meter
> and only saw it into the yellow zone once or twice. I don't think there 
> is
> any unusual current drain that could be causing the sudden power lose but
> I am pretty well frustrated at this time. My wife has threatened my life
if
> it turns out that  I spent the money to buy it and the GE is bad when I
had
> a "PERFECTLY GOOD GAS TRACTOR ONLY ONE YEAR OLD"(her words and tone) 
> which
> I put in storage as a back up unit.
>
> So for the sake of domestic tranquillity  PLEASE HELP !
>
>
> Marty
>
>
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