Automotive battery charging

Gee, does he mean that for all the years that cars used generators they were doing it wrong? Even alternators are 3 phase so the 'ripple' on the DC output is relatively much smaller than a 1/2 wave rectified output. Solar charging is also pretty much pure DC. One charging method I have heard of that does make some sense is to charge for, say, 10 minutes and then discharge at the same rate for, say, 30 seconds then a short rest then charging again. I do not know if this has any benefit, but it does waste energy.

Neil S

That's what I understand. I know there is battery FAQ out there. Check if that's in there.

Greg

A lot of mysticism/voodoo exists wrt lead/acid battery charging and handling.

The old "law" that a battery will be ruined if left to sit on a concrete floor will probably live on indefinitely.

Some folks will strongly defend the rectified AC charger method, while others will dismiss it as being a non-issue. See the desulfator (desulphator) discussion started on the 25th, and/or read about their use of pulses to extend useful lead/acid battery life.

The which-is-faster or which-is-better debates continue as instant gratification becomes more popular. Manufacturers want consumers to believe their products are extra durable and recharge faster than any other, as an incentive to purchasing and profits.

Charging lead/acid batteries slowly and completely has always been the best method.

The average consumer generally doesn't own enough of one brand/type of batteries to be able to establish meaningful statistical data (numerous identical vehicles all with batteries of the same brand, type, age and usage).. but fleet maintenance shops often do.

Over the years, the people I've known that were frequently replacing their car batteries have been the ones that let the battery go dead (from leaving lights on or various electrical problems), then jump the battery to get the car going, and never put the battery on a charger.

Aside from manufacturing defects or accidental damage, negligence and abuse are the factors that kill batteries.

-- Cheers, WB .............

The dendrite thing is what shorts sealed NiCd batteries. "burp charging" is said to reduce that problem.

Yes.

are the factors that kill batteries.

Some abuse comes in the form of 'preventive maintenance'.

Occasionally I hear a recommendation to put a slurry of baking soda and water on top of my car battery to neutralize the acid that builds up.

That was never particularly a good idea and now it is a very bad idea because of the way modern batteries are made. Years ago, batteries actually had a raised rim around each cap opening that tended to prevent junk from falling into the cells:

Modern batteries don't have that feature and will funnel crap into the cells. That soda slurry on the top of the battery will get flushed into into it and ruin the battery sooner or later, I guarantee.

A gentle drizzling of tap water from the garden hose on top of the Closed battery while scrubbing with a disposable brush will neutralize the acid quickly and safely.

As always, wear "work clothes" and protective eyewear when working on car batteries.

--Winston

there are a variety of "desulfator" gadgets for lead acid batteries.

Here's what I've learned about lead acid batteries.

- small ones suck and die in a few years, no matter how you baby them

- big ones last longer and are expensive to replace.

- more and more batteries are from china and just pure crap.

that's really it. They all go bad in the end, usually when you need them.

I blew up my set of UPS-270 batteries by charging them on a charger that failed with the series regulator going dead short.

They just replaced several tons of UPS batteries at work. Some of the batteries were only months old, but they're still all going back to the smelter as part of the trade in agreement. I tried to buy back the new ones from the guys loading up the pallets, but they didn't want to get fired, and somebody does count them up.

I bought my Craftsmen riding mower in 2005. Just started it up again for this season with full cranking power. The battery is the original battery that came with the mower a Diehard. I do keep the mower in our basement when it's not in use. 7 years not bad for a mower battery.

Eddie

there are a variety of "desulfator" gadgets for lead acid batteries.

Here's what I've learned about lead acid batteries.

- small ones suck and die in a few years, no matter how you baby them

- big ones last longer and are expensive to replace.

- more and more batteries are from china and just pure crap.

that's really it. They all go bad in the end, usually when you need them.

I blew up my set of UPS-270 batteries by charging them on a charger that failed with the series regulator going dead short.

They just replaced several tons of UPS batteries at work. Some of the batteries were only months old, but they're still all going back to the smelter as part of the trade in agreement. I tried to buy back the new ones from the guys loading up the pallets, but they didn't want to get fired, and somebody does count them up.

The soda paste won't do much harm to a side-terminal battery, though.

Back when engine crankcases were vented (breather caps) into the engine compartment/atmosphere, batteries in cars with high mileage would generally get covered with an accumulation of crud, so perodic cleaning of the tops of the cases was generally required since the accumulation could present a conductive path for discharging.

Many folks apply grease or those treated felt washers to the top-post type batteries, but I just prefer to keep them clean.. an occasional brushing with a terminal cleaner can prevent unexpected problems.

You're right about taking personal protection precautions any time battery maintenance/service is performed. I think anyone who's done their own car work/service has been surprised at finding holes in their freshly laundered clothes, which weren't there before.

I always like to get the baking soda before starting, just in case, and an ample supply of fresh water should be a standard practice.

-- Cheers, WB .............

Cydrome Leader wrote in news:jl0up0$6id$ snipped-for-privacy@reader1.panix.com:

Of course,they count them.

the trick is to have substitutes to -swap- for the good ones you want. B-) the loaders don't care as long as the numbers all add up.

Drizzling chocolate syrup over the top of a side-terminal battery won't do it much harm, either. :)

It has far less possibility of ruining the battery than does soda paste, yet I don't see a lot of people turning their battery into a sundae, with or without whipped cream.

compartment/atmosphere, batteries in cars with

perodic cleaning of the tops of the cases was

discharging.

batteries, but I just prefer to keep them

problems.

maintenance/service is performed.

finding holes in their freshly laundered

ample supply of fresh water should be a

Yup. Fresh water is highly underrated.

--Winston

last pile of duds I had went into the alley. Scrappers snatched them up pretty fast.

Cydrome Leader wrote in news:jl2i5a$c6o$ snipped-for-privacy@reader1.panix.com:

yeah,metals prices have climbed quite a bit;last time I needed a new car battery,the prices were at least 50% higher.

but if you think you'll get another opportunity to score on a all-out swap,then save a few duds in anticipation of that day.