Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Let's talk about Batteries
| Let's talk about Batteries [message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 18:46  |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I have a regular cranking/deep cycle marine type battery in my engine compartment. It pulls double duty between the coach and my boat, as I never use them together. One battery, less fuss.
My boat is an 85 HP Johnson V4 Outboard, 1976 vintage. Runs like a top. Not sure it even has any sort of charging for the battery.
My Coach House batteries are Two "Outrageously Reliable" model 100RC Group Size GC2 Interstate 6V golf Car batteries. I have had them since May of 2010. I have camped three times with them. I have a Progressive Dynamics PD45 charge converter with a charge wizard. They are on a JimK SST/plastic slide and I keep them well wetted.
My engine battery has seemed to give up the ghost, and would not crank the coach this weekend while camping. I used the handy-dandy GM installed battery boost switch. It started, two different times. The third time I tried to start it today, to move it a little farther up my driveway, no dice. This is after running the Macerator to dump the coach. The Macerator runs on the house bank. I ran the fresh water pump and the macerator alternatively as I always do to flush and drain the black tank to ensure it is squeeky clean.
Since the coach would not start with boost, I took the engine battery out and only read 9V or so. It's a 2008 battery, so OK, only three years on this one vice 6 on the last, but I can deal with that. It's on the charger in the garage, but I don't think it is any good anymore.
I still had some issues in the coach, so I decided to do a little battery maintenance and check things out. I found the Positive post of the Positive feed battery (The one that feeds + to the coach, the other one feeds -) melted, with the stud and the post popped out. Good thing it didn't short to anything since PD 45 was plugged in at the time.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=41240&title=battery-problems&cat=3625
I'm going to bring them back to costco, where they came from, but I am now concerned that I will have the same problem. What these batteries lack is a full automotive style lead post. they only have the wing nut terminal. I may swing by Interstate with them first to see what they have to say, but they want 2X the price in that store for the same battery. If I get no Joy, I'll ask for the owner, he happens to be a neighbor and I'll talk to him through the shop, don't want to bother him at the house. We have met, but don't know each other.
Anyone have similar issues?
I'm going to try to get them both changed out to ones with regular posts, or I will go to 12V Deep Cycle units instead. I really don't want mismatched aged batteries in my coach in series.
Comments?
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
[Updated on: Sun, 23 October 2011 18:48] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Let's talk about Batteries [message #147566 is a reply to message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 19:04  |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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A lot of old outboards use "charging" coils under the flywheel to charge the batteries. Not sure if your Johnson does or not. Back in those days, they had no regulators, so if you ran your boat for fairly lengthy runs, the overcharging and heat produced tends to be hard on batteries. A lot of batteries that look sealed have caps that actually can be pried off. If there isn't much water in it, that is what has happened to it.
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147571 is a reply to message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 19:38 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Take the engine battery - charged - down to AutoZone and have them use their load tester to test it. Might save the price of a battery. Or anyplace with a load tester.
--johnny
________________________________
From: Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, October 23, 2011 7:46 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries
I have a regular cranking/deep cycle marine type battery in my engine compartment. It pulls double duty between the coach and my boat, as I never use them together. One battery, less fuss.
My boat is an 85 HP Johnson V4 Outboard, 1976 vintage. Runs like a top. Not sure it even has any sort of charging for the battery.
My Coach House batteries are Two "Outrageously Reliable" model 100RC Group Size GC2 Interstate 6V golf Car batteries. I have had them since May of 2010. I have camped three times with them. I have a Progressive Dynamics PD45 charge converter with a charge wizard. They are on a JimK SST/plastic slide and I keep them well wetted.
My engine battery has seemed to give up the ghost, and would not crank the coach this weekend while camping. I used the handy-dandy GM installed battery boost switch. It started, two different times. The third time I tried to start it today, to move it a little farther up my driveway, no dice. This is after running the Macerator to dump the coach. The Macerator runs on the house bank. I ran the fresh water pump and the macerator alternatively as I always do to flush and drain the black tank to ensure it is squeeky clean.
Since the coach would not start with boost, I took the engine battery out and only read 9V or so. It's a 2008 battery, so OK, only three years on this one vice 6 on the last, but I can deal with that. It's on the charger in the garage, but I don't think it is any good anymore.
I still had some issues in the coach, so I decided to do a little battery maintenance and check things out. I found the Positive post of the Positive feed battery (The one that feeds + to the coach, the other one feeds -) melted, with the stud and the post popped out. Good thing it didn't short to anything since PD 45 was plugged in at the time.
I'm going to bring them back to costco, where they came from, but I am now concerned that I will have the same problem. What these batteries lack is a full automotive style lead post. they only have the wing nut terminal. I may swing by Interstate with them first to see what they have to say, but they want 2X the price in that store for the same battery. If I get no Joy, I'll ask for the owner, he happens to be a neighbor and I'll talk to him through the shop, don't want to bother him at the house. We have met, but don't know each other.
Anyone have similar issues?
I'm going to try to get them both changed out to ones with regular posts, or I will go to 12V Deep Cycle units instead. I really don't want mismatched aged batteries in my coach in series.
Comments?
--
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
"The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive, 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147579 is a reply to message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 19:57 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Might want to read this info on batteries and charging and connections.
http://goo.gl/dwD8g
gene
On Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 4:46 PM, Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have a regular cranking/deep cycle marine type battery in my engine
> compartment. It pulls double duty between the coach and my boat, as I never
> use them together. One battery, less fuss.
>
> My boat is an 85 HP Johnson V4 Outboard, 1976 vintage. Runs like a top. Not
> sure it even has any sort of charging for the battery.
>
> My Coach House batteries are Two "Outrageously Reliable" model 100RC Group
> Size GC2 Interstate 6V golf Car batteries. I have had them since May of
> 2010. I have camped three times with them. I have a Progressive Dynamics
> PD45 charge converter with a charge wizard. They are on a JimK SST/plastic
> slide and I keep them well wetted.
>
> My engine battery has seemed to give up the ghost, and would not crank the
> coach this weekend while camping. I used the handy-dandy GM installed
> battery boost switch. It started, two different times. The third time I
> tried to start it today, to move it a little farther up my driveway, no
> dice. This is after running the Macerator to dump the coach. The Macerator
> runs on the house bank. I ran the fresh water pump and the macerator
> alternatively as I always do to flush and drain the black tank to ensure it
> is squeeky clean.
>
> Since the coach would not start with boost, I took the engine battery out
> and only read 9V or so. It's a 2008 battery, so OK, only three years on this
> one vice 6 on the last, but I can deal with that. It's on the charger in the
> garage, but I don't think it is any good anymore.
>
> I still had some issues in the coach, so I decided to do a little battery
> maintenance and check things out. I found the Positive post of the Positive
> feed battery (The one that feeds + to the coach, the other one feeds -)
> melted, with the stud and the post popped out. Good thing it didn't short to
> anything since PD 45 was plugged in at the time.
>
>
>
> I'm going to bring them back to costco, where they came from, but I am now
> concerned that I will have the same problem. What these batteries lack is a
> full automotive style lead post. they only have the wing nut terminal. I may
> swing by Interstate with them first to see what they have to say, but they
> want 2X the price in that store for the same battery. If I get no Joy, I'll
> ask for the owner, he happens to be a neighbor and I'll talk to him through
> the shop, don't want to bother him at the house. We have met, but don't know
> each other.
>
> Anyone have similar issues?
>
> I'm going to try to get them both changed out to ones with regular posts,
> or I will go to 12V Deep Cycle units instead. I really don't want mismatched
> aged batteries in my coach in series.
>
> Comments?
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> Scottsdale, AZ
> "The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive,
> 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
>
> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147581 is a reply to message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 20:08 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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>
>
>
> I'm going to bring them back to costco, where they came from, but I am now
> concerned that I will have the same problem. What these batteries lack is a
> full automotive style lead post. they only have the wing nut terminal.
it is not a battery problem
is prob. a connection problem
6volt golf cart batteries are the best
and a 800 amp starting battery would be better for the engine battery than a
deep cycle
also a combiner, would make sure all batts. are up to charge.
http://goo.gl/OaAMc
good luck
gene
> I may swing by Interstate with them first to see what they have to say, but
> they want 2X the price in that store for the same battery. If I get no Joy,
> I'll ask for the owner, he happens to be a neighbor and I'll talk to him
> through the shop, don't want to bother him at the house. We have met, but
> don't know each other.
>
> Anyone have similar issues?
>
> I'm going to try to get them both changed out to ones with regular posts,
> or I will go to 12V Deep Cycle units instead. I really don't want mismatched
> aged batteries in my coach in series.
>
> Comments?
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> Scottsdale, AZ
> "The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive,
> 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
>
> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147591 is a reply to message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 20:41 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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If you have an Interstate Battery Distributor store nearby, you can get a
deep cell blem for $50. A blem is a battery that has been sitting around a
dealership too long and needs to be restocked with a fresh battery. I just
bought a deep cell from Sam's Club and it cost me $180. I had bought my
previous deep cell from Sam's just over two years ago. If a blem will last
me two years vs one from Sam's I'm $130 ahead.
On Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 5:46 PM, Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have a regular cranking/deep cycle marine type battery in my engine
> compartment. It pulls double duty between the coach and my boat, as I never
> use them together. One battery, less fuss.
>
> My boat is an 85 HP Johnson V4 Outboard, 1976 vintage. Runs like a top. Not
> sure it even has any sort of charging for the battery.
>
> My Coach House batteries are Two "Outrageously Reliable" model 100RC Group
> Size GC2 Interstate 6V golf Car batteries. I have had them since May of
> 2010. I have camped three times with them. I have a Progressive Dynamics
> PD45 charge converter with a charge wizard. They are on a JimK SST/plastic
> slide and I keep them well wetted.
>
> My engine battery has seemed to give up the ghost, and would not crank the
> coach this weekend while camping. I used the handy-dandy GM installed
> battery boost switch. It started, two different times. The third time I
> tried to start it today, to move it a little farther up my driveway, no
> dice. This is after running the Macerator to dump the coach. The Macerator
> runs on the house bank. I ran the fresh water pump and the macerator
> alternatively as I always do to flush and drain the black tank to ensure it
> is squeeky clean.
>
> Since the coach would not start with boost, I took the engine battery out
> and only read 9V or so. It's a 2008 battery, so OK, only three years on this
> one vice 6 on the last, but I can deal with that. It's on the charger in the
> garage, but I don't think it is any good anymore.
>
> I still had some issues in the coach, so I decided to do a little battery
> maintenance and check things out. I found the Positive post of the Positive
> feed battery (The one that feeds + to the coach, the other one feeds -)
> melted, with the stud and the post popped out. Good thing it didn't short to
> anything since PD 45 was plugged in at the time.
>
>
>
> I'm going to bring them back to costco, where they came from, but I am now
> concerned that I will have the same problem. What these batteries lack is a
> full automotive style lead post. they only have the wing nut terminal. I may
> swing by Interstate with them first to see what they have to say, but they
> want 2X the price in that store for the same battery. If I get no Joy, I'll
> ask for the owner, he happens to be a neighbor and I'll talk to him through
> the shop, don't want to bother him at the house. We have met, but don't know
> each other.
>
> Anyone have similar issues?
>
> I'm going to try to get them both changed out to ones with regular posts,
> or I will go to 12V Deep Cycle units instead. I really don't want mismatched
> aged batteries in my coach in series.
>
> Comments?
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> Scottsdale, AZ
> "The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive,
> 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
>
> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147597 is a reply to message #147591] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 20:57 |
rssbob
Messages: 259
Registered: January 2004
Location: La Mesa, Ca. (San Diego a...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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For those of you in Southern California, I recently met a guy who buys batteries from companies like Nokia and Qualcomm who use lots of deep cycle batteries for their back-up power supplies. Seems like the companies routinely. (like every other year) buy all new batteries and dispose of the old ones. I bought 3 of them from this person for $50.00 each. two for the house and one for the engine. Maybe a deep cycle is overkill for the engine battery but at $50.00 and the fact that it makes the engine spin like a top I like them.
On Oct 23, 2011, at 6:41 PM, Bruce Hart wrote:
> If you have an Interstate Battery Distributor store nearby, you can get a
> deep cell blem for $50. A blem is a battery that has been sitting around a
> dealership too long and needs to be restocked with a fresh battery. I just
> bought a deep cell from Sam's Club and it cost me $180. I had bought my
> previous deep cell from Sam's just over two years ago. If a blem will last
> me two years vs one from Sam's I'm $130 ahead.
>
> On Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 5:46 PM, Chris Choffat <cchoffataz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> I have a regular cranking/deep cycle marine type battery in my engine
>> compartment. It pulls double duty between the coach and my boat, as I never
>> use them together. One battery, less fuss.
>>
>> My boat is an 85 HP Johnson V4 Outboard, 1976 vintage. Runs like a top. Not
>> sure it even has any sort of charging for the battery.
>>
>> My Coach House batteries are Two "Outrageously Reliable" model 100RC Group
>> Size GC2 Interstate 6V golf Car batteries. I have had them since May of
>> 2010. I have camped three times with them. I have a Progressive Dynamics
>> PD45 charge converter with a charge wizard. They are on a JimK SST/plastic
>> slide and I keep them well wetted.
>>
>> My engine battery has seemed to give up the ghost, and would not crank the
>> coach this weekend while camping. I used the handy-dandy GM installed
>> battery boost switch. It started, two different times. The third time I
>> tried to start it today, to move it a little farther up my driveway, no
>> dice. This is after running the Macerator to dump the coach. The Macerator
>> runs on the house bank. I ran the fresh water pump and the macerator
>> alternatively as I always do to flush and drain the black tank to ensure it
>> is squeeky clean.
>>
>> Since the coach would not start with boost, I took the engine battery out
>> and only read 9V or so. It's a 2008 battery, so OK, only three years on this
>> one vice 6 on the last, but I can deal with that. It's on the charger in the
>> garage, but I don't think it is any good anymore.
>>
>> I still had some issues in the coach, so I decided to do a little battery
>> maintenance and check things out. I found the Positive post of the Positive
>> feed battery (The one that feeds + to the coach, the other one feeds -)
>> melted, with the stud and the post popped out. Good thing it didn't short to
>> anything since PD 45 was plugged in at the time.
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm going to bring them back to costco, where they came from, but I am now
>> concerned that I will have the same problem. What these batteries lack is a
>> full automotive style lead post. they only have the wing nut terminal. I may
>> swing by Interstate with them first to see what they have to say, but they
>> want 2X the price in that store for the same battery. If I get no Joy, I'll
>> ask for the owner, he happens to be a neighbor and I'll talk to him through
>> the shop, don't want to bother him at the house. We have met, but don't know
>> each other.
>>
>> Anyone have similar issues?
>>
>> I'm going to try to get them both changed out to ones with regular posts,
>> or I will go to 12V Deep Cycle units instead. I really don't want mismatched
>> aged batteries in my coach in series.
>>
>> Comments?
>> --
>> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
>> Scottsdale, AZ
>> "The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive,
>> 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
>>
>> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Bob Sobrito
78 Palm Beach
La Mesa, Ca
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| Re: Let's talk about Batteries [message #147617 is a reply to message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 21:39 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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My engine battery is sort of a hybrid cranking/deep cycle, If it's toast, I'm getting a normal cranking battery anyway. I was more concerned about the 6V battery terminals. They have posts, but only half the height. I think I'm going to get automotive battery cables, and put some washers that fit snug in the hole and bring the level up top, then a big fender washer on top with the nut, but a nut, not a wingnut.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Let's talk about Batteries [message #147633 is a reply to message #147562] |
Sun, 23 October 2011 23:30 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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the Positive post of the Positive feed battery (The one that feeds + to the coach, the other one feeds -) melted, with the stud and the post popped out.
Chr$
That is an interesting picture. The amount of current through the stud must have been huge to make that much heat.
Did you have any dirty connections or loose wire connections to the battery post connector?
The one problem with running batteries in series is the amount of amps that the post has to carry. It is the weak spot if the cable is good. Connections have to be very clean to prevent either heating ( electrical contact is made smaller/more amps, when corrosion starts to cover the connections) or complete failure of power flow.
thanks for the pic, it has me thinking.
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: Let's talk about Batteries [message #147638 is a reply to message #147562] |
Mon, 24 October 2011 06:24 |
skip2
Messages: 544
Registered: September 2011
Location: Winter Haven,FL (center o...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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The 76 85 Johnson had a 6 amp no regulator charging. They originally had an issue with deep cycles because of the built in resistance in the battery so they would not boil over from charging and this could literally melt the coils under the flywheel. Deep cycles have come a long way since then. OMC supposedly fixed this when they went to a potted coil assembly under the flywheel, still got warm just had no place to expand to. If you look under the flywheel and see individual coils I'd be leary or if you already see a brown ooze leaking out of the coils they can heat up to the point they expand and get in the flywheel. And some folks think GMC's have quirky problems.Hope I didn't add to the confusion.
74 Canyon Lands, FiTech,
3.7 FD LSD, Manny Tranny,
Springfield Distributor,
2001 Chevy Tracker Ragtop Towd
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147639 is a reply to message #147637] |
Mon, 24 October 2011 07:04 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I'm looking at that picture and I'm wondering if that problem was caused by the stud in the battery being loose. Is there any evidence of the battery cable getting hot?
Changing connection type may or may not solve your problem. You have three other connections on those batteries of the same type that did not melt. There are several other high current places in the coach (starter, boost solenoid, and ground cable) that have similar connections (meaning a bolt or stud and a nut) carrying the same current and they also do not have problems.
Your problem was a loose or dirty connection. The question is where was the loose connection. Was it between the cable and the stud or between the stud and the battery itself.
From the picture it appears to be a loose stud in the battery. If this is the case, then the question is, was is manufactured bad, was it damaged (loosened) by you, was it damaged in transit, or was it damaged by the seller?
If you can claim it was that way when you bought it and the first time you put a high current draw on it, it melted internally, then I think you have a basis for a warranty claim.
In a previous life I use to work on huge batteries out of strattle trucks that moved 30,000 to 50,000 pound coils of steel. These were approximately 3.5 by 3.5. by 5 feet in size. We picked them up with an overhead crane to change them every 8 hours. I have seen may similar failures to yours. Those connections sometime were loose cables (the nut) but occasionally they were the stud loose in the battery.
That connection actually can be repaired with a torch and some lead. We use to fix them. But you need to be careful not to work on it until it has been sitting for at least 24 hours without charging or discharging. This is to allow any oxygen or hydrogen from charging or discharging to dissipate.
I really do NOT RECOMMEND doing this yourself if you do not know what you are doing.
See if you can get Interstate to replace it. Do not worry about having two different dates or age batteries. These are in series so this is not a problem. If they were is parallel I would strongly recommend against it.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Let's talk about Batteries [message #147651 is a reply to message #147562] |
Mon, 24 October 2011 09:34 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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They were tight and this one was still really tight when I removed it. I tightened them before I left on friday. I always check these as they are wing nut terminals. The cables are new. I had some intermittent connections a few other times before but the wing nuts were always tight, I thought the circuit breaker was the problem as I was boost starting the coach with the boost switch. Even the genny would not start for a little while, then it would. I think Ken is right, the terminal was loose internally. It is the only thing. It is too clean inside and doesn't look like it wetted to the stud at all when made.
Interesting comments about the Outboard. I have had it since 1981 and only had to replace a $10 solenoid in all that time. Glad to know it actually charges the battery. Now I can use the radio when picnicking on the beach without worry. There is no brown goo under the flywheel.
I run all the gas out of the carb when trailering. that has made all the difference, I think, plus you cannot beat a simple 2 stroke.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147652 is a reply to message #147637] |
Mon, 24 October 2011 09:31 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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One guess would be that the stud was a bit loose
on the terminal when built. That would cause a
comparatively high resistance connection and when
even a moderate amount of current were drawn a
large amount of heat would have been developed
at the poor connection.
Just a 10 Amp draw across a 1/4 Ohm joint would
result in a drop of 2.5 Volts. However, since the
power lost in that joint would be 25 Watts, it is
possible that the total heat accumulated MIGHT get
to the point that the lead in the terminal could
melt. It is also quite likely that the resistance
at the joint would progressively increase and at
some point there could be a destructive avalanche
of the terminal.
Another, and more plausible situation, would be
that a short circuit occurred and in that case
the current available from the battery is HUGE!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:46:57 -0700
From: mr.erfisher@gmail.com
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries
that is interesting, the link to the picture did not transfer from the
Forum to the GMCnet.... I have never seen that happen before, It was just
deleted
(http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=41240&title=battery-problems&cat=3625)
I wonder if the link was added later with an edit?
gene
> That is an interesting picture. The amount of current through the stud
> must have been huge to make that much heat.
>
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147738 is a reply to message #147639] |
Mon, 24 October 2011 22:24 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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He mentions that he moves the battery from boat to GMC. I am wondering if there is lead post distortion from all the cable tension, removing of cables and reconnecting in the alternate vehicle and constant tightening down.
The lead has properties for making DC power when chemically reacting to acid, but it is not strong as steel and will distort when the pressure is applied. That might explain why the bolt became loose, if that is the case.
Top that with some corrosion on the cable connector and the problem gets worse, builds heat and the low temp lead melts.
I don't think the wing nuts are a problem, the other three are find but the failure may be owner caused.
My thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: Let's talk about Batteries [message #147745 is a reply to message #147562] |
Mon, 24 October 2011 23:16 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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That was the six volt battery that melted. the one I transfer back and forth is the engine start battery.
Costco gave me 100% credit towards a new one. I learned also that the Costco version of these do not have a pro rated warranty, they are done at 12 months. that sucks. so different from EVERY OTHER BATTERY they and others sell. Sometimes it is good to buy something from a place staffed by people who don't know dick about technology. They were mesmerized by my explanations of casting air gaps and inclusions in the material causing high resistance connections.
Now the engine battery has a dead cell. It was a Marine battery. Not a deep cycle. the only difference from this marine battery and a regular car battery is the dual posts: regular clamp stud and wing nut bolts. I chose not to replace it with another marine battery or from Autozone, for that matter. It lasted only half as long as the previous one.
I'm going to the Interstate store tomorrow to look at better cables. I may need to have some made, however.
I've had better with Checker, but will take a look at NAPA. Heck they are probably all just label engineered anyway.
Oh, I tried to post the photo, but it didn't work this time, so I just posted the link instead. I use the Forum.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147767 is a reply to message #147745] |
Tue, 25 October 2011 09:09 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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A recent Consumer's Report issue had tests of batteries.
If I recall, Interstate was NOT one of the better performers.
The brand sold at Wal-Mart stores was generally higher rated
than most, but the ratings varied by size/model.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: cchoffataz@yahoo.com
> Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:16:34 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries
>
> That was the six volt battery that melted. the one I transfer back and forth is the engine start battery.
>
> Costco gave me 100% credit towards a new one. I learned also that the Costco version of these do not have a pro rated warranty, they are done at 12 months. that sucks. so different from EVERY OTHER BATTERY they and others sell. Sometimes it is good to buy something from a place staffed by people who don't know dick about technology. They were mesmerized by my explanations of casting air gaps and inclusions in the material causing high resistance connections.
>
> Now the engine battery has a dead cell. It was a Marine battery. Not a deep cycle. the only difference from this marine battery and a regular car battery is the dual posts: regular clamp stud and wing nut bolts. I chose not to replace it with another marine battery or from Autozone, for that matter. It lasted only half as long as the previous one.
>
> I'm going to the Interstate store tomorrow to look at better cables. I may need to have some made, however.
>
> I've had better with Checker, but will take a look at NAPA. Heck they are probably all just label engineered anyway.
>
>
> Oh, I tried to post the photo, but it didn't work this time, so I just posted the link instead. I use the Forum.
> --
> -Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
> Scottsdale, AZ
> "The Escape Pod" A 77 Ex-Kingsley Featuring: Olds 455, Manny Power Drive, 3:21, Rockwell, Jim B QJET, Quadra bag. Still needs paint!
>
> Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries [message #147784 is a reply to message #147779] |
Tue, 25 October 2011 12:18 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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The "Battery Tender" or the "Battery Minder" (using pulse technology)
are supposed to be pretty good about KEEPING a good battery up as
long as there is no parasitic drain on the battery that can overcome
the limited ( < 1 Amp) capability of either of these devices. I keep a
Battery Tender on the two Harleys in our stable, the 8 kW emergency
genset on the patio and several other standby reserve batteries.
I also have an "Xtreme" smart pulse charger to use on batteries that
have gone below simple "maintenance float" charge status plus a few
other chargers for fairly quick recharge capabilities.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: slawrence111@yahoo.com
> Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:14:18 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Let's talk about Batteries
>
> Now the engine battery has a dead cell. It was a Marine battery.
> Chr$
>
> Thanks for clearing which battery failed
>
> The Engine battery cell failure is a familiar event.
> I have tried a solar charger, not much good for more than keeping the battery charged, it uses a very low charge rate.
>
> So far, I have not had a battery failure since doing this. I have several vehicles being maintained this way. Time will tell how effective this is as far as preventing cell failure but a battery does require a good hard charge occasionally.
> The battery seems not to take sitting with no load for a period of time very well... At least that is my conclusion at this point in time.
>
>
> Where is the congluted aereated hydrogen nuclear fuel cell when we need it??? :d
>
>
>
>
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d 08-18-04
> 74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
>
> ADD TO THE FUN-GMC'r Campground FINDS />
> http://www.gmceast.com/travel
>
> _
> _______________________________________________
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