Interesting twist on this issue - and something for everyone to consider. Our
new (to us) 1994 37/40+ had batteries from last year in the main bank that were
showing 12.2 volts just coming off the charger. The damage was done, but we
didn't know why. So, when we put in the batteries this weekend, I immediately
tested them using the boat's voltage meter.
Hmmm...... Still low ish, variable, and the lights were dim.
I immediately thought of a bad ground, thanks to an old friend on another
board. Not only was there a bad ground, but when I pulled on the negative
cables as they went through the bilge and by the engine, they crunched.
Really. A crunchy feeling like corn flakes in a cable. Turns out they were
thoroughly corroded and barely carrying current.
I verified this by disconnecting the ground wire and, using an extra piece of
wire as an extension, checked the continuity. Definitely not a good flow of
current. It was a real pain to run new cables, but it made a world of
difference.
Check those battery cables, and check your ground connection at the engine!
Bruce Whitmore
(847) 404-5092 (mobile)
bwhitm...@sbcglobal.net
From: Mitchell's via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
To: CNC List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Cc: Mitchell's <themitche...@yahoo.ca>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 2:23 PM
Subject: Stus-List Battery test
Here is one for you electrical guys, my batteries are over 5 years old. I have
all LED lights, a 240 watt solar panel and modern refrigeration. The batteries
are working fine but there is no way they are still performing as new. I would
like to monitor their amp hour capacity as they age. Is there a simple way to
do it or do I need to take them into a battery shop?
90 days to launch!
Len Mitchell
1989 37+
Crazy Legs
Midland On.
Sent from my mobile device.
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_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
