[GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356210] |
Mon, 29 June 2020 03:09 |
Gerard Hickey
Messages: 53 Registered: June 2019
Karma: 1
|
Member |
|
|
I was following the recent discussion about the batteries with a
particular interest. I have now completely replaced the line from the
engine batteries to the house batteries. The line was definitely the
original line installed and the line had not faired very well in the
past 45 years as the line was very corroded and all the insulation was
chipping off. So I am glad that I have the line replaced now.
I also want to thank those that discussed the dangers of charging two
12v batteries in parallel. When I picked up my RV last year it had two
dissimilar batteries for the house batteries. I had planned in all the
rewiring that I am doing to put both in parallel. On first thought it
seemed like a great plan, but I am glad to read the discussion about the
internal resistance of the batteries. Never would have thought about it
from that angle and quite possibly saved me a disaster.
The solenoids at each end of the line appear to be original also. I was
thinking about replacing them also, but then thought about my plans to
replace the battery isolator. I have been looking at replacing it with a
Victron Cyrix-ct or a Li-Bim isolation module (if anyone has any strong
opinions of either, I would love to hear them). In replacing the battery
isolator with current technology is there still any need for the
solenoids? I can not think of a reason but I figured I would ask here of
those of you that are much more knowledgeable about the GMC electrical
system.
One other question also. In the generator compartment above the solenoid
there is a device about 1.5 inches in diameter with two terminals on it.
It appears to me to be a fuse as it appears to be a short between the
terminals. Although I as am writing this I started to wonder if it is
actually a diode to allow current to flow back to the engine compartment
for boosting the current to the starter motor. Can some one identify
this device or confirm my latest suspicion?
--
Gerard Hickey / WTØF IRLP:3067/Echolink:529661
hickey@kinetic-compute.com DMR: 3102272
425-395-4554
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356214 is a reply to message #356210] |
Mon, 29 June 2020 08:49 |
Jeremy Sanford
Messages: 35 Registered: August 2018 Location: Sacramento CA
Karma: 1
|
Member |
|
|
Gerard Hickey wrote on Mon, 29 June 2020 01:09I
One other question also. In the generator compartment above the solenoid
there is a device about 1.5 inches in diameter with two terminals on it.
It appears to me to be a fuse as it appears to be a short between the
terminals.
That is a 60a circuit breaker designed to protect the house electrical system.
If you get a Li BIM it will replace both the isolator and the front boost solenoid (you would still need the rear boost solenoid).
Jeremy
Jeremy Sanford
Sacramento, CA
1977 Kingsley
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42733-jsanford.html
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356221 is a reply to message #356210] |
Mon, 29 June 2020 11:02 |
JohnS
Messages: 126 Registered: December 2014 Location: Vacaville, CA
Karma: -2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I installed a Li-BIM early this year, along with a LiFe-Po4 house battery in the rear . Have only been able to make a couple of trips since then but so far am satisfied with it. Particularly like that it will limit the time the alternator will charge a depleted house battery, allowing time for the alternator to cool. Also, when plugged in to shore power, it monitors the engine battery charge state and connects it to the PD-9260 charger.
The Li-BIM has replaced the Isolator, Power Contactor, and Combiner in front, & I left the OEM 60 amp Fuse and Bypass Contactor in back so the original boost function is intact.
JWID, John S
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv@aol.com;
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356223 is a reply to message #356210] |
Mon, 29 June 2020 12:54 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
As I read it the Li-BIM is a combiner tuned slightly differently. What I have a problem with is your removal of the front solenoid. The front and rear solenoids have nothing to do with charging batteries (front or rear). Both solenoids remain open for 99+ % of their life and are only energized and used when the boost switch on the dash is pressed. Someday you are going to want that emergency boost function to work to move a couple hundred amps to start the coach.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356227 is a reply to message #356223] |
Mon, 29 June 2020 13:40 |
Jeremy Sanford
Messages: 35 Registered: August 2018 Location: Sacramento CA
Karma: 1
|
Member |
|
|
Ken Burton wrote on Mon, 29 June 2020 10:54As I read it the Li-BIM is a combiner tuned slightly differently. What I have a problem with is your removal of the front solenoid. The front and rear solenoids have nothing to do with charging batteries (front or rear). Both solenoids remain open for 99+ % of their life and are only energized and used when the boost switch on the dash is pressed. Someday you are going to want that emergency boost function to work to move a couple hundred amps to start the coach.
The wire from the boost switch connects to one of the terminals on the LI-BIM so that it can replace the front solenoid and preserve the GMC original boost function.
Jeremy Sanford
Sacramento, CA
1977 Kingsley
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42733-jsanford.html
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356248 is a reply to message #356227] |
Mon, 29 June 2020 22:02 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I might be reading this wrong and I'll go look again. I think you are mistaking a combining function for charging rather than boost function of several hundred amps used for starting.
I will go look again. What is the maximum capacity of this item when combining?
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356252 is a reply to message #356210] |
Mon, 29 June 2020 23:00 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ok, from what I read, the maximum is 198 amps. Nothing is said what happens if you try to exceed this during engine starting. It should allow manual combining to charge the opposite battery with no problem unless there is a dead short or something drawing more than 200 amps.
I still question it's ability to really start the engine under some conditions. I would leave the solenoid installed. Besides that, it makes a good terminal block for all of those heavy cables.
I do not know if your rear solenoid question was answered. This rear item is just a relay with heavy contacts capable of a couple hundred amps. It's purpose is to bypass the 50 or 60 amp automatic reset CB in the line from the rear battery(s) during boost starting.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356256 is a reply to message #356210] |
Tue, 30 June 2020 07:19 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I'm watching this with a bit of interest. In my uses however, the house batteries are only required to keep the icebox up during refueling and hooking up at campsites. In eight years of GMCing I have overnighted twice without shore power, both in the winter. All the batteries have to do is run the furnace, and I could have fired the genset both times if needed.
--johnny
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
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] More battery discussion [message #356271 is a reply to message #356210] |
Tue, 30 June 2020 13:42 |
BobDunahugh
Messages: 2465 Registered: October 2010 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Karma: 11
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Linda qualifies for 2 new 12V batteries in her powered wheelchair every year. Deep cycle. That keeps me nicely supplied for the GMC house batteries. And for our collector cars. With cool temps. They can run our furnace for2 days. This set is 4 years old. Very strong output stile. But for just under $800 for the par. They should be. Our Coe pay is about $60. Makes for cheap batteries.
Bob Dunahugh
78 Royale since 2003.
4 COPO Yenkos
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|