Re: (ET) battery problem/question???

["RJ Kanary" <rjkanary nauticom net>]

        You have to run the batteries FLAT DEAD, then recharge them. A
continuous, low resistance load such as an automotive Sealed Beam® headlamp
would suffice.
      This is a can't win, can't lose situation. Lead acid batteries aren't
real happy with polarity reversal, and SLA batteries don't like being run
flat dead.
     So, you do what you can, to see what you've got.
Run them down, and charge them up. SLOWLY.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chapin, Tim" <tchapin umich edu>
To: "'Elec-Trak Tractor '" <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 9:27 PM
Subject: (ET) battery problem/question???


> I picked up 2 12v 18 ah sealed batteries on ebay (uses but like new the
add
> read) for my dead ryobi push.  I stuck them on the 24v scooter charger
that
> I use with my weekly ryobi mower.  The other day the charger showed that
the
> batterys were charged (green light).  Stuck them in the ryobi, pulled the
> handle and the battery meter pegged on empty and the motor turned
> backwards...  That strange!!  I hooked them up just like the old pack..
> Pulled out the multi meter and stuck it on the battery and it read -25.8
> volts.  Eather the pools have reversed on the 2 batteries or the 
> batteries
> were manufactured wrong..   Pos. terminal (marked in read and +) is
showing
> neg. The design is just like the other 2 sets I have and the post are in
the
> same positions.  I hooked the pack in backwards, the meter showed nearly
> full, the motor turned correctly and the mower mowed.  It didn't have the
> power of the other ryobi (stalled it in grass that wasn't real tall).
> drained one bat to nothing and stuck it on the car charger and the 
> charger
> pegged and the override kicked in so the bat is backwards.  Is there a 
> way
> to reverse the poles or should I worry about it or is the batteries
junk???
>
>
> Just strange..
>
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