Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] That Darned Batt!
| [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94083] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 12:58  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
In January I replaced the GMC's chassis and coach batteries. On Thursday
afternoon I needed to crank the engine but when I turned the ignition key on
Nothing happened -- no dash lights, no clicking starter, no nuthin'. Even
with the boost switch On.
Under the hood, the combiner's green light was on (the coach stays plugged
in with the PD9145 running all the time), but a DVM across the battery
terminals showed only 1.96 VDC!
After disconnecting the battery cables, I put a charger on the battery and
watched the ammeter needle swing to and fro quickly as the protection
circuit cycled.
With all 3 batteries mounted on a Ragusa 3-battery tray at the right front,
the only way to R&R the batteries is through the RF wheel well with the tire
removed. I posted recently my battery tray to fit on the end of my "cherry
picker" arm, that Gp 27 chassis and 2 golf cart coach batteries being more
than I'm willing (able?) to lift. Thursday was too hot to go through that
rigamarole so I knocked off.
Up early yesterday, I went to WalMart and swapped batteries with them. Then
pulled the inner 1/2 of my longitudinally split wheel well liner and removed
the old battery. That was enough hot work for a Friday.
This morning I started back on it, finding, as usual, that there are about a
dozen other things I need to do while it's partially disassembled. Like
re-routing and securing the heater hoses to improve appearance and
convenience and to eliminate some possible abrasion problems. With
fabricating a new aluminum bracket and moving the other batteries to provide
clearance for the drilled needed to mount it, that took a couple of 90*+
hours. TIme for the pool & lunch.
With lunch settling, I'm debating whether to go modify the wheel well liner
again so that only the front section must be remove for battery swaps. If
Wal-Mart batteries are only going to last 6 months, I'll be in there
frequently. :-(
Before going to Du Quoin, I've got to pull the Cad500 rocker covers and
recheck/set the lifter pre-loads I forgot to do when assembling the engine.
That's another couple of hot days. :-(
And the cam gear cover's got to come off to correct the little oil leak I
built into the engine. Another hot day. :-(
While I'm at it, I guess I'd better fabricate the additional brackets to
ensure long-term stability of the serpentine belt driven alternator. It's
working VERY well, but I'm not comfortable with depending almost entirely on
one 3/8" stud out the front of the block to support it. There aren't many
bracing options, but I need to find something for redundancy. Another hot
day or two. :-(
Ain't this fun! :-(
Ken H.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94091 is a reply to message #94083] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 13:27  |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Another GMCer and myself were discussing batteries yesterday over a couple
of Cokes at McD's yesterday. Both Wal-Mart and Costco are local here and
both have similar warranties. Both have batteries that have approximately
1000/850 or 1000/700 amps in stock. In reality, my best guess would be for
an operational GMC in the spring of 2011. I can wish all I want for an
earlier date - but this 99* weather isn't helping much.
Back to the batteries - prices range from $65 - $90. Wal-Mart has the edge
due to the many locations they have all over the country. Just hate to
think a new battery is only going to last 6-12 months. I already replaced
the house battery with the large deep cylce from Costco.
Which battery failed from WM?
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier - melting in the heat...
Oakland, TN
Ken,
We were just discussing batteries yesterday over a couple of Sr. Cokes at
McD's.
Choices seem to be Wal-Mart or Costco. Both have decent warranties and both
have siimialrly
On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 12:58 PM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net>wrote:
> In January I replaced the GMC's chassis and coach batteries. On Thursday
> afternoon I needed to crank the engine but when I turned the ignition key
> on
> Nothing happened -- no dash lights, no clicking starter, no nuthin'. Even
> with the boost switch On.
>
> Under the hood, the combiner's green light was on (the coach stays plugged
> in with the PD9145 running all the time), but a DVM across the battery
> terminals showed only 1.96 VDC!
>
> After disconnecting the battery cables, I put a charger on the battery and
> watched the ammeter needle swing to and fro quickly as the protection
> circuit cycled.
>
> With all 3 batteries mounted on a Ragusa 3-battery tray at the right front,
> the only way to R&R the batteries is through the RF wheel well with the
> tire
> removed. I posted recently my battery tray to fit on the end of my "cherry
> picker" arm, that Gp 27 chassis and 2 golf cart coach batteries being more
> than I'm willing (able?) to lift. Thursday was too hot to go through that
> rigamarole so I knocked off.
>
> Up early yesterday, I went to WalMart and swapped batteries with them.
> Then
> pulled the inner 1/2 of my longitudinally split wheel well liner and
> removed
> the old battery. That was enough hot work for a Friday.
>
> This morning I started back on it, finding, as usual, that there are about
> a
> dozen other things I need to do while it's partially disassembled. Like
> re-routing and securing the heater hoses to improve appearance and
> convenience and to eliminate some possible abrasion problems. With
> fabricating a new aluminum bracket and moving the other batteries to
> provide
> clearance for the drilled needed to mount it, that took a couple of 90*+
> hours. TIme for the pool & lunch.
>
> With lunch settling, I'm debating whether to go modify the wheel well liner
> again so that only the front section must be remove for battery swaps. If
> Wal-Mart batteries are only going to last 6 months, I'll be in there
> frequently. :-(
>
> Before going to Du Quoin, I've got to pull the Cad500 rocker covers and
> recheck/set the lifter pre-loads I forgot to do when assembling the
> engine.
> That's another couple of hot days. :-(
>
> And the cam gear cover's got to come off to correct the little oil leak I
> built into the engine. Another hot day. :-(
>
> While I'm at it, I guess I'd better fabricate the additional brackets to
> ensure long-term stability of the serpentine belt driven alternator. It's
> working VERY well, but I'm not comfortable with depending almost entirely
> on
> one 3/8" stud out the front of the block to support it. There aren't many
> bracing options, but I need to find something for redundancy. Another hot
> day or two. :-(
>
> Ain't this fun! :-(
>
> Ken H.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94097 is a reply to message #94091] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 13:38 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Tom,
The failed battery is one of WalMart's "top of the line" (I don't even
attempt to keep up with all the crazy names) Gp. 27 batteries with a 3 year
free exchange warranty. It replaced a similarly warranted one that was out
of the 3 year period -- I don't know how much, if any credit, I got on the 8
year pro-rated portion back in Jan.
Despite the difficult of R&R, I don't regret my purchase. Their batteries
have given me excellent service over the years -- even when that service has
meant they've replaced several 2-3 year old batteries, over a span of 6+
years, for one purchase price. And there is, of course, no way to equal the
availability.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 2:27 PM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
> Another GMCer and myself were discussing batteries yesterday over a couple
> of Cokes at McD's yesterday. Both Wal-Mart and Costco are local here and
> both have similar warranties. Both have batteries that have approximately
> 1000/850 or 1000/700 amps in stock. In reality, my best guess would be for
> an operational GMC in the spring of 2011. I can wish all I want for an
> earlier date - but this 99* weather isn't helping much.
>
> Back to the batteries - prices range from $65 - $90. Wal-Mart has the edge
> due to the many locations they have all over the country. Just hate to
> think a new battery is only going to last 6-12 months. I already replaced
> the house battery with the large deep cylce from Costco.
>
> Which battery failed from WM?
>
> Tom Eckert N2VWN
> 73 Glacier - melting in the heat...
> Oakland, TN
>
>
> Ken,
>
> We were just discussing batteries yesterday over a couple of Sr. Cokes at
> McD's.
>
> Choices seem to be Wal-Mart or Costco. Both have decent warranties and
> both
> have siimialrly
>
> On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 12:58 PM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net
> >wrote:
>
> > In January I replaced the GMC's chassis and coach batteries. On Thursday
> > afternoon I needed to crank the engine but when I turned the ignition key
> > on
> > Nothing happened -- no dash lights, no clicking starter, no nuthin'.
> Even
> > with the boost switch On.
> >
> > Under the hood, the combiner's green light was on (the coach stays
> plugged
> > in with the PD9145 running all the time), but a DVM across the battery
> > terminals showed only 1.96 VDC!
> >
> > After disconnecting the battery cables, I put a charger on the battery
> and
> > watched the ammeter needle swing to and fro quickly as the protection
> > circuit cycled.
> >
> > With all 3 batteries mounted on a Ragusa 3-battery tray at the right
> front,
> > the only way to R&R the batteries is through the RF wheel well with the
> > tire
> > removed. I posted recently my battery tray to fit on the end of my
> "cherry
> > picker" arm, that Gp 27 chassis and 2 golf cart coach batteries being
> more
> > than I'm willing (able?) to lift. Thursday was too hot to go through
> that
> > rigamarole so I knocked off.
> >
> > Up early yesterday, I went to WalMart and swapped batteries with them.
> > Then
> > pulled the inner 1/2 of my longitudinally split wheel well liner and
> > removed
> > the old battery. That was enough hot work for a Friday.
> >
> > This morning I started back on it, finding, as usual, that there are
> about
> > a
> > dozen other things I need to do while it's partially disassembled. Like
> > re-routing and securing the heater hoses to improve appearance and
> > convenience and to eliminate some possible abrasion problems. With
> > fabricating a new aluminum bracket and moving the other batteries to
> > provide
> > clearance for the drilled needed to mount it, that took a couple of 90*+
> > hours. TIme for the pool & lunch.
> >
> > With lunch settling, I'm debating whether to go modify the wheel well
> liner
> > again so that only the front section must be remove for battery swaps.
> If
> > Wal-Mart batteries are only going to last 6 months, I'll be in there
> > frequently. :-(
> >
> > Before going to Du Quoin, I've got to pull the Cad500 rocker covers and
> > recheck/set the lifter pre-loads I forgot to do when assembling the
> > engine.
> > That's another couple of hot days. :-(
> >
> > And the cam gear cover's got to come off to correct the little oil leak I
> > built into the engine. Another hot day. :-(
> >
> > While I'm at it, I guess I'd better fabricate the additional brackets to
> > ensure long-term stability of the serpentine belt driven alternator.
> It's
> > working VERY well, but I'm not comfortable with depending almost entirely
> > on
> > one 3/8" stud out the front of the block to support it. There aren't
> many
> > bracing options, but I need to find something for redundancy. Another
> hot
> > day or two. :-(
> >
> > Ain't this fun! :-(
> >
> > Ken H.
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94101 is a reply to message #94097] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 14:04 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ken,
I do understand - Wal-Mart is now where the Sears "original" Die Hard was
back in the 60's. Sears is just too much trouble any more. I'm on my third
WM battery in my MG - seems the less use they get the faster they harder
fail.
When time comes, I'll get one of the WM 1000/850AH batteries.
Good luck and watch out for the heat...
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier - temporarily on ice...
Oakland, TN
On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 1:38 PM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net>wrote:
> Tom,
>
> The failed battery is one of WalMart's "top of the line" (I don't even
> attempt to keep up with all the crazy names) Gp. 27 batteries with a 3 year
> free exchange warranty. It replaced a similarly warranted one that was out
> of the 3 year period -- I don't know how much, if any credit, I got on the
> 8
> year pro-rated portion back in Jan.
>
> Despite the difficult of R&R, I don't regret my purchase. Their batteries
> have given me excellent service over the years -- even when that service
> has
> meant they've replaced several 2-3 year old batteries, over a span of 6+
> years, for one purchase price. And there is, of course, no way to equal
> the
> availability.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 2:27 PM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Another GMCer and myself were discussing batteries yesterday over a
> couple
> > of Cokes at McD's yesterday. Both Wal-Mart and Costco are local here and
> > both have similar warranties. Both have batteries that have
> approximately
> > 1000/850 or 1000/700 amps in stock. In reality, my best guess would be
> for
> > an operational GMC in the spring of 2011. I can wish all I want for an
> > earlier date - but this 99* weather isn't helping much.
> >
> > Back to the batteries - prices range from $65 - $90. Wal-Mart has the
> edge
> > due to the many locations they have all over the country. Just hate to
> > think a new battery is only going to last 6-12 months. I already
> replaced
> > the house battery with the large deep cylce from Costco.
> >
> > Which battery failed from WM?
> >
> > Tom Eckert N2VWN
> > 73 Glacier - melting in the heat...
> > Oakland, TN
> >
> >
> > Ken,
> >
> > We were just discussing batteries yesterday over a couple of Sr. Cokes at
> > McD's.
> >
> > Choices seem to be Wal-Mart or Costco. Both have decent warranties and
> > both
> > have siimialrly
> >
> > On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 12:58 PM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net
> > >wrote:
> >
> > > In January I replaced the GMC's chassis and coach batteries. On
> Thursday
> > > afternoon I needed to crank the engine but when I turned the ignition
> key
> > > on
> > > Nothing happened -- no dash lights, no clicking starter, no nuthin'.
> > Even
> > > with the boost switch On.
> > >
> > > Under the hood, the combiner's green light was on (the coach stays
> > plugged
> > > in with the PD9145 running all the time), but a DVM across the battery
> > > terminals showed only 1.96 VDC!
> > >
> > > After disconnecting the battery cables, I put a charger on the battery
> > and
> > > watched the ammeter needle swing to and fro quickly as the protection
> > > circuit cycled.
> > >
> > > With all 3 batteries mounted on a Ragusa 3-battery tray at the right
> > front,
> > > the only way to R&R the batteries is through the RF wheel well with the
> > > tire
> > > removed. I posted recently my battery tray to fit on the end of my
> > "cherry
> > > picker" arm, that Gp 27 chassis and 2 golf cart coach batteries being
> > more
> > > than I'm willing (able?) to lift. Thursday was too hot to go through
> > that
> > > rigamarole so I knocked off.
> > >
> > > Up early yesterday, I went to WalMart and swapped batteries with them.
> > > Then
> > > pulled the inner 1/2 of my longitudinally split wheel well liner and
> > > removed
> > > the old battery. That was enough hot work for a Friday.
> > >
> > > This morning I started back on it, finding, as usual, that there are
> > about
> > > a
> > > dozen other things I need to do while it's partially disassembled.
> Like
> > > re-routing and securing the heater hoses to improve appearance and
> > > convenience and to eliminate some possible abrasion problems. With
> > > fabricating a new aluminum bracket and moving the other batteries to
> > > provide
> > > clearance for the drilled needed to mount it, that took a couple of
> 90*+
> > > hours. TIme for the pool & lunch.
> > >
> > > With lunch settling, I'm debating whether to go modify the wheel well
> > liner
> > > again so that only the front section must be remove for battery swaps.
> > If
> > > Wal-Mart batteries are only going to last 6 months, I'll be in there
> > > frequently. :-(
> > >
> > > Before going to Du Quoin, I've got to pull the Cad500 rocker covers and
> > > recheck/set the lifter pre-loads I forgot to do when assembling the
> > > engine.
> > > That's another couple of hot days. :-(
> > >
> > > And the cam gear cover's got to come off to correct the little oil leak
> I
> > > built into the engine. Another hot day. :-(
> > >
> > > While I'm at it, I guess I'd better fabricate the additional brackets
> to
> > > ensure long-term stability of the serpentine belt driven alternator.
> > It's
> > > working VERY well, but I'm not comfortable with depending almost
> entirely
> > > on
> > > one 3/8" stud out the front of the block to support it. There aren't
> > many
> > > bracing options, but I need to find something for redundancy. Another
> > hot
> > > day or two. :-(
> > >
> > > Ain't this fun! :-(
> > >
> > > Ken H.
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94109 is a reply to message #94083] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 15:10 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I stick to Delco but it helps my buddy is a Delco dealer and I am anti Wally Mart. Do you think they got banged around causing a short? Is the mounting secure? Sounds like it is.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94125 is a reply to message #94109] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 16:48 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
John,
I've got to admit that the chassis battery is not clamped down. It sits in
a 3/4" deep corral which just fits it and is located so far back beneath the
floorboard that nothing short of a rollover could dislodge it. There's just
no good way to apply a clamp. But with only 1000 miles of good roads
behind it, there's little likelihood that it was damaged by vibration.
The two golf cart batteries are securely clamped into their common corral by
a 1/4" x 4" square Lexan plate secured on top of them by a 5/16" SS strut
from the base plate.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 4:10 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I stick to Delco but it helps my buddy is a Delco dealer and I am anti
> Wally Mart. Do you think they got banged around causing a short? Is the
> mounting secure? Sounds like it is.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Chicago, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94139 is a reply to message #94101] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 19:35 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
|
Senior Member |
|
|
If you want batteries to last, keep them on a proper, smart charge.
The Battery Tender (the REAL thing) will provide a maximum of 3/4
Ampere charge and will NOT boil your battery dry.
The genuine article costs about $30-35 in most places and generally
includes both clamp leads for temporary use and a fixed plug-in
lead that you wire permanently to the battery.
If you buy the Battery Tender at a Harley-Davidson dealership, you
will have to buy the hard-wire cable separately for an extra $10.
I found and bought (on eBay) 4 of the regular model and two of the
water-proof models to use on my big and little boats. There are
even 25 foot extension cables available.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ Mac Macdonald ~
~ Oklahoma City ~
~~ "Money Pit" ~~
~ '76 ex - P.B. ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:04:46 -0500
From: gmcrv1@gmail.com
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt!
Ken,
I do understand - Wal-Mart is now where the Sears "original" Die Hard was
back in the 60's. Sears is just too much trouble any more. I'm on my third
WM battery in my MG - seems the less use they get the faster they harder
fail.
When time comes, I'll get one of the WM 1000/850AH batteries.
Good luck and watch out for the heat...
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier - temporarily on ice...
Oakland, TN
On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 1:38 PM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net>wrote:
Tom,
The failed battery is one of WalMart's "top of the line" (I don't even
attempt to keep up with all the crazy names) Gp. 27 batteries with a 3 year
free exchange warranty. It replaced a similarly warranted one that was out
of the 3 year period -- I don't know how much, if any credit, I got on the
8 year pro-rated portion back in Jan.
Despite the difficulty of R&R, I don't regret my purchase. Their batteries
have given me excellent service over the years -- even when that service
has meant they've replaced several 2-3 year old batteries, over a span of
6+ years, for one purchase price. And there is, of course, no way to equal
the availability.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 2:27 PM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
Another GMCer and myself were discussing batteries yesterday over a
couple of Cokes at McD's yesterday. Both Wal-Mart and Costco are local
here and both have similar warranties. Both have batteries that have
approximately 1000/850 or 1000/700 amps in stock. In reality, my best
guess would be for an operational GMC in the spring of 2011. I can wish
all I want for an earlier date - but this 99* weather isn't helping much.
Back to the batteries - prices range from $65 - $90. Wal-Mart has the
edge due to the many locations they have all over the country. Just
hate to think a new battery is only going to last 6-12 months. I already
replaced the house battery with the large deep cylce from Costco.
Which battery failed from WM?
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier - melting in the heat...
Oakland, TN
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94153 is a reply to message #94083] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 22:45 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I think that in 1000 miles you could damage the Batt as it slams down in the tray when it gets a little "air" when you hit bumps. I bought a universal batt hold down kit from Cinnabar to replace the giant cable ties I had and after the first trip it was gone and I was lucky the long readyrod didn't do damage either physical or electrical on the way out. I'm back to the giant cable ties.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94157 is a reply to message #94153] |
Sat, 31 July 2010 23:16 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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When I can drive indefinitely with a glass of water sitting on the table
portion of my dash with hardly a ripple on the surface, I can't imagine the
GMC's suspension causing the battery to bounce enough to damage it. Maybe
on some of the roads of my childhood, but not on most current Georgia roads.
I still vote for random failure, but I do intend to try to devise a hold
down for that battery -- on "general principles". Maybe giant cable ties.
:-)
Ken H.
On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 11:45 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com>wrote:
>
>
> I think that in 1000 miles you could damage the Batt as it slams down in
> the tray when it gets a little "air" when you hit bumps. I bought a
> universal batt hold down kit from Cinnabar to replace the giant cable ties I
> had and after the first trip it was gone and I was lucky the long readyrod
> didn't do damage either physical or electrical on the way out. I'm back to
> the giant cable ties.
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94160 is a reply to message #94157] |
Sun, 01 August 2010 01:04 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I'm having a problem with your 1.96 volt reading and blaming the battery for the failure. At 1.96 volts you have 5 separate failures on 5 different cells all at the same time, and the 6th cell is very low. It should be 2.2 volts.
Something killed that battery. Either it was seriously over charged and boiled dry or something took it stone dead. I doubt the second option since one cell is still putting out 1.96 volts.
Since you have a combiner on this coach I would assume any over charging would also hit the house batteries. I also think that the house batteries with their heavier plates and more acid capacity would survive longer in a over charge situation.
What is the acid level in the house batteries?
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94161 is a reply to message #94083] |
Sun, 01 August 2010 05:23 |
David L Greenberg
Messages: 899
Registered: January 2004
Location: Port St Lucie, FL
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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On Sun, 1 Aug 2010 00:16:56 -0400 Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net>
writes:
> When I can drive indefinitely with a glass of water sitting on the
> table
> portion of my dash with hardly a ripple on the surface, I can't
> imagine the
> GMC's suspension causing the battery to bounce enough to damage it.
I agree. I followed Andy Anderson's coach for 300 miles while on our way
to a rally. He had
some 2x6 planks lying loosely on the back bumper. At first I was worried
that they would
fall off and hit my coach but as his GMC went up and down the boards
never budged.
Since we were in Florida we didn't hit any potholes but I would expect
the same end result if
we were on northern roads.
Most times I expect the cables alone would constrain battery movement not
that I endorse
not using hold downs. I just had to replace the hold downs in the golf
car but I know 400 lbs
of batteries aren't going far if I hit a bump.
David Lee Greenberg
Port St Lucie, FL skype: david.lee.greenberg
Dedicated to the Preservation of the Classic GMC Motorhome
http://GMCmhRegistry.com
http://www.picturetrail.com/gmcregistry
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davegreenberg1@juno.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94163 is a reply to message #94157] |
Sun, 01 August 2010 06:56 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Ken Henderson wrote on Sun, 01 August 2010 00:16 |
When I can drive indefinitely with a glass of water sitting on the table portion of my dash with hardly a ripple on the surface, I can't imagine the GMC's suspension causing the battery to bounce enough to damage it. Maybe on some of the roads of my childhood, but not on most current Georgia roads.
I still vote for random failure, but I do intend to try to devise a hold down for that battery -- on "general principles". Maybe giant cable ties.
Ken H.
|
Ken,
In this particular case (as an ex-automotive aftermarket representative), I must disagree with your analysis. For a battery that was recently functional to go that flat this fast was not a Random Failure. This pretty much has to be a case of Manufacture Process Defect.
The other Ken suggested that you failed 5 of 6 cells, and while that might be true, you do not know that as the subject battery does not have exposed cell link bars. What you also have to understand is that for that battery to go that completely flat in so short a time frame (operational or clock), the process control at the manufacturing facility but be very capable.
If we could get Wally to tell us who the supplier actually is, I bet we would find pallets of returned product in his back yard right today.
I suggest to you sir, that this your installation had little or nothing to do with the observed failure. I don't know how long the coach has been unused, but with the combiner and a 9145, it does not matter. You free standing charger tell us that the internal leakage resistance is now real low. Mechanical shock or vibration should not be capable of causing this without visible damage to the battery case.
And that is my take on your situation.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94202 is a reply to message #94160] |
Sun, 01 August 2010 15:34 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Ken, et al,
I'm likewise baffled by the low voltage and how it got there. The combiner
was showing combined, when I measured the low voltage, yet the long leads on
the combiner were not hot as they should have been if the full 45 A output
of the converter was being dumped into a short. It may be that the combiner
has failed also, although a cursory voltage check after installing the new
battery shows normal voltages.
After I removed the battery, its terminal voltage did drift a little higher,
eventually reaching about 8 VDC before I returned it -- maybe from the
attempted charging. The electrolyte level was normal. I didn't have a
hydrometer to check the charge. WalMart's test, whatever they did,
indicated that it was shot.
I checked for shorts after removing the battery, both by placing an ammeter
between the coach batteries and the chassis battery cable and by using an
Ohmmeter -- no parasitic drain at all.
I wasn't in a very good nor curious mood, so I just returned "That Darned
Batt". Sorry I didn't do a more thorough autopsy.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Aug 1, 2010 at 2:04 AM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> I'm having a problem with your 1.96 volt reading and blaming the battery
> for the failure. At 1.96 volts you have 5 separate failures on 5 different
> cells all at the same time, and the 6th cell is very low. It should be 2.2
> volts.
>
> Something killed that battery. Either it was seriously over charged and
> boiled dry or something took it stone dead. I doubt the second option since
> one cell is still putting out 1.96 volts.
>
> Since you have a combiner on this coach I would assume any over charging
> would also hit the house batteries. I also think that the house batteries
> with their heavier plates and more acid capacity would survive longer in a
> over charge situation.
>
> What is the acid level in the house batteries?
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94206 is a reply to message #94083] |
Sun, 01 August 2010 17:31 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Well right now the main thing is that they replaced it, not the forensics. However, I would keep a very close eye on the new "patient" with a good VOM to make sure the charging system is as it should be and there also that are no parasites. If the coach system is at fault you will have to fix it anyway so now is the time. I'm not sure how they will respond to another return DOA in a short time span. Do you know the country of origin on these batts?
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] That Darned Batt! [message #94211 is a reply to message #94206] |
Sun, 01 August 2010 18:07 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| JohnL455 wrote on Sun, 01 August 2010 17:31 |
Do you know the country of origin on these batts?
|
Automotive non specialty batteries seem to be mostly US made. I suspect it is due to the weight. I know the local battery plant (Johnson Controls) makes batteries with a hecka lota different labels on them.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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