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Old 07-14-2015, 05:15 PM   #1
audio1der
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How to tell if 6V DC batt gone bad?

My Interstate 6V DC's won't charge; the charge simply says "reconditioning" indefinitely.
One measure 6.15V, the other is 5.91. They've had a good life, spending winters in our insulated, almost heated garage sitting on wood while hooked up to a battery tender/conditioner, water has never been below plate level and topped off with distilled water when required. I don't know what else I could have done for them.
How can I tell if the 5.91V has gone bad, or if its both of them? I found a matching battery (one of theirs went bad) on Kijiji for $70. Money is tight and I'd rather not drop $300 for a pair of mediocre batteries if the $70 could get us another season or 2. Both my chargers are 12V only so I can't use them to tell.
Help, please!
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Old 07-14-2015, 05:25 PM   #2
chuckster57
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load tester. Using a meter to measure how many volts isn't a real good way to test a batteries capacity. If you have a Harbor Freight near you, this would work just fine:

http://www.harborfreight.com/100-amp...ter-61747.html
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Old 07-14-2015, 09:33 PM   #3
audio1der
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Our Canadian equivalent to HF is Princess Auto, and of course the same thing costs twice as much , but thank you; likely a useful tool all around.
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Old 07-15-2015, 05:02 AM   #4
SAABDOCTOR
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HI Call the number on the battery and find an interstae dealer. he can load test them for you. A volt meter really can't tell you much about the health of the battery. Or if you want to travel to my shop in Connecticut I am an Interstae dealer i will gladly do it for you! I know long ride he he. Good luck
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Old 07-15-2015, 05:05 AM   #5
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It's not twice as much. Only 1.8 times as much.

Have one and it is a good tool. Crappy Tire may load test it for you as well, but they don't sell 6V batteries so they may not. Will depend on the mood of the guy at the counter.
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Old 07-15-2015, 11:52 AM   #6
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In addition to the methods outlined above, testing the specific gravity of each cell is another way to help determine the condition of the battery. Having a hydrometer to measure the SG is a handy "tool" to have.
If you are trying to charge a single 6v battery with a 12v charger, you won't get too far. You can charge 2 6v's with a 12v charger - just make sure you hook up the charge cables to the correct terminals of the batteries which should be connected in series.
In this case, you should be able to use your 12v charger to charge your 2 6 volts.

Also, if one of the 2 6volts is toast, then you are "dead in the water".
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Old 07-15-2015, 05:40 PM   #7
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I was able to borrow a 6V charger, we'll see how it goes. I might justtake them to Part Source to get properly tested.
The used battery was 5+ years and the guy wanted $75!?! (yeah right)
Will likely end up grabbing a pair of US Battery 2200's from the local dealer who gives me 10% off all parts.
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Old 07-15-2015, 06:37 PM   #8
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Almost anywhere that sells batteries will test them for free. Even Wallmart will do it. No obligation to buy. You can simply say "thanks" and walk away.
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Old 07-16-2015, 04:24 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by audio1der View Post
I was able to borrow a 6V charger, we'll see how it goes. I might justtake them to Part Source to get properly tested.
The used battery was 5+ years and the guy wanted $75!?! (yeah right)
Will likely end up grabbing a pair of US Battery 2200's from the local dealer who gives me 10% off all parts.
Check Costco if you can. Around $20 less than the next best price I've seen.
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Old 08-04-2015, 09:02 PM   #10
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It turns out I know the parts manager of a large RV dealer, and he used their deep cycle tester. Each one rated at 70%. Then the rubber lifting strap dropped one from the top of the tailgate, cracking the case. That nailed the coffin shut.
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Old 08-05-2015, 06:25 AM   #11
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GOOD THING IT DID NOT LAND ON YOUR FOOT!!!
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