vettepoor

I've been using a Schumacher brand battery charger/maintainer on my 57 for several years, leaving it connected when car is parked. I always use a battery disconnect when charging. The charger previously always showed it was charging for a short period after I finished a drive, and then went to "green" (indicating a charged reading) shortly thereafter. Lately it continues to charge, never fully indicating battery is charged fully. At rest, battery reads 12.6 v and 13.5-14.5 when running with generator charging. Does it sound like battery is headed south, or is my charger on the fritz? Battery is about 4 years old with no issues. Sorry for being so wordy, just looking for expert opinions!
Thanks in advance.
John

Gary's '66

When was the last time you cleaned up the battery posts and cable ends? Could just be a bit of corrosion or even a loose connection.

Gary

dplotkin

If it cranks the engine fine day after day it's fine. Depending on type-gel, acm, flooded-batteries have different charging and surface charge voltages which are variable with ambient temperature. Try your charger on a different battery and see how it behaves. 12.6 V standing voltage is OK.


New batteries tend to draw more current after a deep discharge such as a starting motor cycle while older ones draw less as they age.


Dan

rfn026

Here's an article I wrote a while back about battery chargers.

Richard Newton