Forum Discussion
MEXICOWANDERER
Oct 27, 2014Explorer
You don't need OEM specs or E=MC2 analysis to set correct maintenance charging values.
Use the lowest voltage setting number 1. After 2 weeks a hydrometer dip will tell you truthfully if that setting is appropriate. If cell gravity is too low, then set the dip switches to the #2 position, then to number 3 if number 2 proves inadequate.
I don't care if OEM tells you to strip naked and get on your roof and sing Jingle Bells, the hydrometer is the FINAL answer in flooded battery analysis. A hydrometer reading TRUMPS OEM voltage recommendations, but the workup has to be done from the low voltage side of the scale so the hydrometer readings are valid. A hydrometer by itself cannot tell you if the batteries are being maintained at too high of voltage, only too low of voltage. Work from the low voltage side and gradually increase voltage values and re-check. No battery engineer in their right mind is going to argue with this protocol.
Use the lowest voltage setting number 1. After 2 weeks a hydrometer dip will tell you truthfully if that setting is appropriate. If cell gravity is too low, then set the dip switches to the #2 position, then to number 3 if number 2 proves inadequate.
I don't care if OEM tells you to strip naked and get on your roof and sing Jingle Bells, the hydrometer is the FINAL answer in flooded battery analysis. A hydrometer reading TRUMPS OEM voltage recommendations, but the workup has to be done from the low voltage side of the scale so the hydrometer readings are valid. A hydrometer by itself cannot tell you if the batteries are being maintained at too high of voltage, only too low of voltage. Work from the low voltage side and gradually increase voltage values and re-check. No battery engineer in their right mind is going to argue with this protocol.
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