Texas Fishing Forum

Stupid battery question

Posted By: tgravley aka lewisvillecatfish

Stupid battery question - 07/29/15 01:56 AM

If both interstate starter batteries on a boat show approx. the same voltage which is 12.4 to 12.6. Why would one start the boat strong but the other doesn't
Posted By: Bob Landry

Re: Stupid battery question - 07/29/15 02:09 AM

One has a weak cell and you are reading a surface charge. Charge it for 24 hours, let rest for 24 hours then load test it.
Posted By: smooth move

Re: Stupid battery question - 07/29/15 02:32 AM

check them under load.
Posted By: TCK73

Re: Stupid battery question - 07/29/15 12:27 PM

Originally Posted By: smooth move
check them under load.


This. If it falls below 10V under load, replace it. You can remove the surface charge by running the starter for 5-10 seconds.
Posted By: tgravley aka lewisvillecatfish

Re: Stupid battery question - 07/30/15 11:33 PM

Thanks
Posted By: Bob Landry

Re: Stupid battery question - 07/31/15 12:12 AM

If you are going to load test it, it's better to actually let it rest for 24 hours after charging to allow the surface charge to dissipate. Running a load on the battery for a few seconds is probably not going to give you a reliable test.
Posted By: gary purdy

Re: Stupid battery question - 07/31/15 08:44 PM

You have already load tested the battery`s and one failed.
Posted By: texcajun

Re: Stupid battery question - 08/01/15 12:17 PM

Go buy a cheap digital volt meter. Affix the 2 leads to either side of the battery posts. Watch the voltage when you crank the motor(load test). If as said before your voltage drops below 10vdc, ya need a new battery!
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