Battery Charging in car

Submitted: Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 13:52
ThreadID: 60826 Views:2211 Replies:3 FollowUps:4
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Short history, 2.8 deisel got a flat battery when the internal lights were left on for a week or so.
Hooked up a petrol Jackeroo to jump but no chance with the much smaller battery.
Pulled out the deisel's battery, charged it, put it back in, and it started no problems.
The questions are: Is it necessary to remove or even disconnect the battery when charging with a 240 volt charger?
and, if the battery can be left connected, can you use the power from the charger to try and start the vehicle before the battery is charged?
Cheers
Ian
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Reply By: Member - Nev (TAS) - Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 13:59

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 13:59
Hi Ian,
a good question. I await your replies. I am one of the old geezers who still unplugs them and takes the caps off each cell when recharging.

Rgds

AnswerID: 320981

Reply By: Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 13:59

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 13:59
Hi Ian

1) Yes no problem charging in place.

2) The charger will only produce 'X' amps and won't start the car.

Regards

Derek.
AnswerID: 320982

Follow Up By: brushmarx - Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 14:10

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 14:10
Thanks Derek
I have been using the disconnect, remove, and take caps off system my father taught me too many years ago, and these diesel starting batteries seem to be getting higher to reach and heavier each time I take one out.
By the way, when charging in place, should the battery caps be removed, or will this just allow the gases to explode if a spark is generated?
Cheers
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FollowupID: 587786

Follow Up By: Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 14:21

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 14:21
Check the levels before you charge if it is not a sealed or MF battery. There is no need to remove the caps. It is no different to charging off the alternator. In fact it is more gentle than the alternators high current and under bonnet heat and vibrations.

I always connect the positive first and then connect the negative to the battery earth where it connects to the body. This way you will not have any worry about sparks and gases.

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Follow Up By: brushmarx - Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 14:23

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 14:23
Thanks Derek
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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 23:46

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 23:46
You only need to remove the caps and cables if you are using one of those quick chargers that puts out more than 15 V.

A battery will start a vehicle easily if it is 40% or more charged. There is no need to wait until the battery is any more charged than that.

PeterD
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Reply By: oldtrack123 - Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 21:10

Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 21:10
Hi Ian
If using a mutistage charger ,no worries BUT if using a elcheopo singe stage you should monitor bat volts to prevent possible over charge.
You did not say bat type ,but charging to 14.2 v is ok for agm & wet cell bats
AnswerID: 321049

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