Reconditioning batteries

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steveblonde

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Jan 8, 2015
Posts
4,747
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calgary alberta
i just bought a new charger that has a reconditioning feature for 12 volt batteries, one of my 6 volts isnt really holding a charge well if i hook the 2 6volts together as if they were in the trailer to make a 12v circuit - can set my charger on the 12v recon setting? Charger is a NOCO G3500 Genius
Thanks in advance steve
 
Yes you can connect two 6 volt batteries in series.  Whether the treatment is successful depends on why the battery isn't holding a charge.  If it's due to plate sulfation, the charger may be able to reform it back into active plate material.

If you have a shorted cell, it won't.

If you have a hydrometer, before you charge the battery see if you get equal specific gravity readings on each cell.  If two cells test good while the third is near zero, you have a shorted cell.

Another way to find a shorted cell is with a voltmeter.  Put one voltmeter probe on the (-) battery terminal, then dip the other into the electrolyte of each cell.  Don't touch the plates, just the liquid electrolyte.

Good cells will increase the voltage by about 2 volts each.  i.e. the first cell will read 2 volts, the second 4 volts, the third 6 volts.

If you have a cell that doesn't contribute an increase in voltage, you have a shorted cell - probably due to plate structure flaking off and accumulating in the bottom until it shorts out the cell.



 
thanks Lou sorry i dont have a hyrometer but i will try to refurbish them i have nothing to loose if it doesnt work i will buy new batteries
 
I sometimes get flamed for saying "There are no six volt batteries in RV's.
"

But here is my Logic.  When you hook two six volt GC-2 Batteries in series. YOU GET, one 12 volt battery, basically a 4D or 8D.

You treat the pair, EXACTLY as you would a 12 volt battery. this includes your recondition (Desulphate I suspect) feature.

Will it work.. I'd give it about a 30% chance, but. That's 30% more than zero so by all means try it. Just do not be upset if it fails.

And check fluid level (hint it's not water but a dilute acid) before and after. add DISTILLED WATER to about 1/2 inch below the fillter tube BEFORE and 1/4the after.
 

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