Battery Question...

[cmb1998]

I bought two Trojan Marine Batteries about 4 months ago. I have them wired through a Peko switch (that shares a ground) and have a bilge pump hard wired to the #1 battery with a seperate master switch just for the bilge (so I can shut everything off, and still have the ability to have the bilge run).

Here is my question... The #1 battery never gets over about 12.1 - 12.4V. The #2 Battery runs at 13.4 or so when under way but the #1 will never. When I try to start the engine of the #1 battery I can hear it strain to start, when I try with the #2 battery it zooomms right up. Whats the deal, do I have a bad battery?

Thanks,

Chris

[Mooch]

If you're sure they're wired correctly,take the battery you suspect is bad to an auto parts store that sells batteries.

They can put a load test on it and tell you for sure if its bad.

[cmb1998]

If you're sure they're wired correctly,take the battery you suspect is bad to an auto parts store that sells batteries.

They can put a load test on it and tell you for sure if its bad.

You know if Joes can do that? Thats where I bought the batteries from.

I belive the wiring is correct. Unless there is a problem with the switch, there is nothing to really mis-wire.

Thanks

Chris

[croation2]

You know if Joes can do that? Thats where I bought the batteries from.

I belive the wiring is correct. Unless there is a problem with the switch, there is nothing to really mis-wire.

Thanks

Chris

I would switch the 2 bateries with each other, and see what I get. I ues the voltmeter in my lowrance, it gets alot of different readings, dependin what's running etc.

[fishkisser]

If you are charging both batterys from one alternator one will always suffer a little in the charging department ...
Here are some different ways to hook them up to provide consistant charging ...
http://www.boatfix.com/how/Ele2.html
http://www.cmsquick.com/tech_03_isolsys.html
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS312&q=Charging+2+marine+batteries+from+one+alternator&btnG=Search

[5 Salt]

#2 is getting charge and #1 is not. Your Perko Switch is likely wired incorrectly

Quickest way to sort it out is to do as Croation 2 suggested above, and swap batteries. Plug the garden hose into the motor and try it all out in the driveway. If new #1 battery begins to suffer same problem as previous problem battery then you know that your switch wiring is goofy or the hot lead from the charging (running) motor is direct to #2 battery and not even running thru Perko switch (see this a lot with Kickers).

Start there before you run it to parts store for a load test. The weak battery will test poorly because its low on charge. If after full charge of weak battery and batteries swap, the former #1 battery is still in the #2 hole then you run it to parts house for testing.


Remember, a battery with low charge may not initially show 13.4-14.1v charge and obviously the fully charged battery will take some time without charge to show a significant drop from 12.4v. Good volt meter will tell you just the same. Any battery receiving charge should show 13.4v or better.

[cmb1998]

#2 is getting charge and #1 is not. Your Perko Switch is likely wired incorrectly

Quickest way to sort it out is to do as Croation 2 suggested above, and swap batteries. Plug the garden hose into the motor and try it all out in the driveway. If new #1 battery begins to suffer same problem as previous problem battery then you know that your switch wiring is goofy or the hot lead from the charging (running) motor is direct to #2 battery and not even running thru Perko switch (see this a lot with Kickers).

Start there before you run it to parts store for a load test. The weak battery will test poorly because its low on charge. If after full charge of weak battery and batteries swap, the former #1 battery is still in the #2 hole then you run it to parts house for testing.


Remember, a battery with low charge may not initially show 13.4-14.1v charge and obviously the fully charged battery will take some time without charge to show a significant drop from 12.4v. Good volt meter will tell you just the same. Any battery receiving charge should show 13.4v or better.

Swapped the battery's and I have the same situation (although now #2 shows the low voltage). Lowrance shows 12.00 - 12.20 volts under way on the old battery 1 now battery 2. New battery 1 old battery 2 shows 13.4 or so.

Hooked up my 12v battery charger and it says clicks on for a few minutes and then says the battery is fully charged.

Will joes take this back even though it still works?

Thanks,

Chris

[5 Salt]

Swapped the battery's and I have the same situation (although now #2 shows the low voltage). Lowrance shows 12.00 - 12.20 volts under way on the old battery 1 now battery 2. New battery 1 old battery 2 shows 13.4 or so.

Hooked up my 12v battery charger and it says clicks on for a few minutes and then says the battery is fully charged.

Will joes take this back even though it still works?

Thanks,

Chris

I would head to Joes for a test - good luck.