Charging at 16-17 volts

[10fords]

Put my meter on the battery while the engine was running on my recently purchased LB2204 and getting 16-17 volts. The battery is old and had a static charge of 11.5 before I hit it with the charger overnite and got it up to 12.5. Could the regulator be compensating for a bad battery or is it overcharging? Is the regulator adjustable? On that note can someone point me to where I can order a repair manual? I really like this little tractor and plan to keep it for a long time so a good manual is a must have Thanks-Scott

 

[Craig Clayton]

I believe you should change the OLD battery first at 11.5 V it is low. It probably is sulphated and about ready to internally collapse. The regulators are electronic, but with it charging just a little high do not worry because the standard charge rate is 14.4 V under load. You could set up a know good battery beside the tractor and run it by booster cables if you are good at this kind of stuff and prove the charging voltages before you purchase a new battery.
Craig Clayton

 

[k0ua]

You have a regulator problem, 16 to 17 volts will severely outgas the battery, and may crack the case, and most certainly boil it dry. I had that voltage level on an old Long 2360, and it cracked 2 batteries, and leaked all over the battery carrier. I found a loose wire, causing the alternator to run full flat out. In my opinion you need to get it fixed.

James K0UA

 

[lectro88]

I have found and probably most of you know. But I'm going to say it for those that dont.
A bad battery will KILL a charging system. ALSO.
A bad charging system will KILL a battery.

Now excessive over-charging "CAN" cause a battery to explode. Acid goes everywhere, and when it does you have to find a way to get baking soda in all those places to neutralize the acid so you don't end up with other problems. Not to mention on you or someone that happens to be close to the machine when it goes.

An extreme case. My uncle was killed from a battery explosion in the 70's
He had a huge Massey (around 100 hp.or more)duel rear wheels. The battery was mounted just in front of the steering wheel on the hood. It blew up in his face. He was discing the land with a 3 teir wide, 2 outer that fold down disc. I'm gonna say this thing was 30 feet wide at least. Well with acid in his eyes and all over him and his face he was trying to get off the tractor. (it was still moving) He knew he couldn't jump past the duel rear tires. So raised the disc and jumped off the back. The carrier wheel ran over him.

If you have never seen a battery explode YOUTUBE it.

The thing with batteries.. there is NO warning.
I personally have had 4-5 batteries explode.

Had a customer call 1nce generator wouldn't start. So I go over to check it out. I installed this gen. by the way about 4 yrs prior.
20 hp Kohler Command. Push the toggle, it was a 3 position toggle,Hand, Off, Automatic. (H.O.A.) Anyway, toggle to HAND. KAAA BOOOOOOM !!!!

@#$%&**! Now I gotta get baking soda. FAST !!! Customer not home.
So I leave in search of, Any idea how hard it is to find baking soda quick ! ?
finally get back acid has run everywhere not to mentoin back side of control board from initial explosion. I dumped baking soda in the garden hose and then connected it to faucit and sprayed inside the cabinet. Repeat, and then again.(Until the foaming stops)
Then go buy new battery and install.

Respectfully. Don't wait for this to happen to you. GET IT FIXED. or Don't use the machine.

 

[Transit]

14.4 is the max to charge a battery, more than that and you will eat the battery.
BTW, no backing soda on hand, flush with water, lots of water.

 

[Bousez]

Get that alternator fixed as soon as you can !!!!

it is charging way too much . It will kill the battery, but can also kill electronics/headlamps/bulbs....

 

[jonyyuma]

We put plastic covers over all our gen-set batteries. It sounds like a 12 guage shotgun when one blows. 8d's can blow at any time...We have the best chargers aviable..D.

 

[o2batsea]

Battery is dead. If all you can get out of it is 12.5, that pretty much confirms it.
Should be reading 14.4 when charging on the alternator.

 

[o2batsea]

Consider an AGM to replace the flooded wet cell. Deka is my preferred brand. Made in USA by East Penn Mfg.

 

[tcartwri]

Change the battery in your multimeter first.... :thumbsup: