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My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
IHC in the early to mid-fifties.
Golden Jubilee
Posts: 5211
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: Lyman, IA
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
Does this truck have an ammeter? What does it show when the engine is running? What year/model is the truck? the 50's are when the voltage std changed.
A cheap digital voltmeter would be a good start, Wal-mart or a hardware store should have one. CHeck the battery voltage AT THE BATTERY TEMINALS themselves while trying to crank, it will show if the battery is low or if a bad connection is preventing current to get to the starter. Once the engine is started, it will show if the charging system is working.
My 6 volts last just as long as my 12 volt batteries, around 9-10 years in starting duty. Even my deep cycles last, and they are cycled every night to a deep dis-charge. Don't jump to the conclusion that a dis-charged battery is the battery's fault.
As mentioned 12 volt cables WILL NOT DO for a 6 volt system. YOu need 00 or better yet 000 gauge cable (lower the number the bigger the cable) most 12 volt cables are 6 or 4 gauge
Also there are many sizes and capacities of 6 volt batteries just as there are in 12 volt. Make sure that you are buying the correct size. Group 2 is what I use in my K-7 with the original battery box and a Group 4 in my K-7 that had the battery box enlarged. A group 1 is for VW bug's and the like and would struggle with a 6 cyl. Measure your battery box and check it against the battery groups dimensions.
You wouldn't expect a Honda Civic battery to crank a Semi tractor, don't expect too small a capacity 6 volt to crank a 6 cyl.
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
Golden Jubilee
Posts: 2028
Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2016 4:52 pm
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
Golden Jubilee
Posts: 5211
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: Lyman, IA
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
The long answer is: a 6 volt battery requires 7.2 volt to charge properly, way below the 8.8 volts of a "8" volt at rest. To charge an 8 volt you need 9.75 volts, way too high for 6 volt stuff, and no 8 volt stuff is made. Stick with 6 or go to 12 with a 12 to 6 convertor for the gauges and heater.
6 volt works, I have started my K-7 below 0 on six volt with no block heater.
lead acid batteries are 2.2 volts per cell at rest, and considered dis charged at 2 volts per cell. A 6 volt battery is really 6.6, a 12 volt is 13.2 volts.
An 8 volt battery is the worse of both worlds.
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Golden Jubilee
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Joined: Fri Oct 25, 2013 10:45 am
Location: Central Florida
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
Correction: I have a 48 volt golf cart sitting out in my shop with six 8 volt batteries connected in series for the 48 volt total. I could go to Sams or any golf cart outlet and pick up 8 volt batteries all day long. They do exist. And for those with 36 volt carts, 6 volt batteries and cables can be purchased as well. The difference being golf cart vs automotive. Certainly there must be some differences.
Golden Jubilee
Posts: 8955
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:45 pm
Location: Canada's left Coast
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
6X8 = 48 and 4X12 = 48. I wonder if the Energiser Bunny and a set of pedals could power your cart.
Artificial intelligence is no match for real stupidity....
Golden Jubilee
Posts: 5211
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: Lyman, IA
Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
WEW51L110 wrote:Quote: .....”no 8 volt stuff is made.”
Correction: I have a 48 volt golf cart sitting out in my shop with six 8 volt batteries connected in series for the 48 volt total. I could go to Sams or any golf cart outlet and pick up 8 volt batteries all day long. They do exist. And for those with 36 volt carts, 6 volt batteries and cables can be purchased as well. The difference being golf cart vs automotive. Certainly there must be some differences.
II was refering to the truck in question, The most common use for 8 volt batteries in groups of 3 for a 32 volt system. Quite common back before the REA and also on board ships. There was a lot of 32 volt stuff made back before the 60's. No idea why 32 volt was chose over 36 (which could be 3 12's or 6 six volts)
Worked on a lot of 24 and 48 volt things as well, but has nothing to do with trucks.
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Golden Jubilee
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Re: My batteries keep dying and won't recharge!
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