Posted by Geo-TH,In on January 11, 2017 at 15:10:52 from (172.78.18.102):
I've been using two batteries in parallel in dump trailer for 6 years. Charging both at the same time. Charger says it can handle up to 4 batteries at once. No problems until recently.
The other day I decided to remove connection between batteries and test each separately. The 6 year old battery, only 70 amps and 12.03 volts. Other battery good, passed all tests.
I always thought a hydrometer was a good tool until it said all my cells were between 1.230 and 1.25 after compensating for temperature of electrolyte. It did confirm there was no dead cell, 1.000. Hydrometer said all cells were good or on the fine line between good and fair. So I used my cheapie hydrometer. It a male hydrometer, has 4 balls. All 4 balls floated. My digital conductivity tester confirmed hydrometer test, the battery didn't have a dead cell. The batteries plates have to be covered with sulfate crystals. It doesn't have enough juice to lift an empty dump trailer bed. I'm really calling into question the validity of a hydrometer test. I'm also calling in questions the instructions saying my batteryminder can safely charge 4 batteries in parallel. BTW, I will add the batteryminder has never boiled out the electrolyte. Batteryminder also confirmed there were no dead cells.
Anyone care to explain to me how a battery that can't produce 10% of it's rating, can't produce enough juice to dump the trailer, pass a hydrometer test. I sure can't explain it. I've learned another lesson, only charge, desulfate and equalize one battery at a time.
Come spring, I'll be looking for another battery. geo.
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