Battery problem

LCA078 said: BTW- Is it just my imagination or did a lot of specialty batteries for a tractor, lawn mower, motorcycle, etc. come dry back in the day and you had to add the electrolyte to it? Then let it sit overnight before you could use it? I swear I remember as a kid watching my grandpa installing a battery and then filling it up with the accompanying bottle/bag of acid so we could use the tractor the next morning. Click to expand... I had to do that with a battery within the last 10 years. I think there's still a little bit of the acid left in the bottle it came in.

LCA078 said: Wow...didn't realize dry batteries were that common and that recent. Kinda wish it was still like that instead of gambling a bit on how long wet batts have been sitting on a shelf. I know there's a date tag on batts but sometimes you don't get the pick of litter. Click to expand... Much easier to ship, too.

Simon C said: Since it did not freeze it may come back some, but guaranteed the plates are damaged from going so low. Try to remember that saving $150 today to blow the starter tomorrow will only cause more aggravation. Starters do not like batteries that drop too much when under load, in other words they need batteries that can maintain high voltage to be able to spin the starter over quickly. If it does not come back to 12.4 volts minimum from charging, and maintain at least about 10.0 volts while cranking, head to the local quality battery store. Simon C Click to expand... In my own machines, a weak battery is an expense & a nuisance. I've never had a starter fail because of a weak battery. We sell & service Generac generators. The starters have armature coils crimped at the comutator where brushes ride. Weak batteries regularly ruin starters. These generators typically run unmanned, providing power for vacation homes. When no one is present to notice sluggish starts, the problem gradually gets worse. I preach replacing a battery at 4 years. Motors depend on magnetic choke (impedence) to limit current. Design voltage is needed for strength of magnetic field to hold the current down. When it is weak enough to fail to rotate the engine no work is done. All that energy is heat.

materthegreater said: I had to do that with a battery within the last 10 years. I think there's still a little bit of the acid left in the bottle it came in. Click to expand... There are only a few people older than me, but one of them told me of changing acid in a battery. he'd dump out the acid, replace it with fresh. He claimed he got 10 or more years from a lead acid battery.

The longest I've had batteries last is 11 years, both were Interstates built by Johnson Controls back in 80's/90's. Both were in same 84 dodge I drove for 23 years. But part of it was the ignition and electrical system was kept in good condition, so over the 11 year periods those batteries were subjected to very little strain also, no extended crank time or draw downs.

UPDATE I purposely did not mention that this was a Walmart battery so as not to derail my own question. Group 24 with a 3 year warranty. Told the lady it wouldn't take a charge. Walked out with a totally free replacement. Can't beat that!

InsleyGuy said: UPDATE I purposely did not mention that this was a Walmart battery so as not to derail my own question. Group 24 with a 3 year warranty. Told the lady it wouldn't take a charge. Walked out with a totally free replacement. Can't beat that! Click to expand... That's great news for you but not so much for the herd of horses that got clubbed on this thread! But seriously, no need to shy away from Walmart batteries in my opinion, especially for a small piece of equipment. I used to think they were garbage but lately I've not heard the complaints like I've heard in the past on my other truck and car forums.

The EverStart Maxx was a top shelf battery, but Walmart did as Walmart does and switched suppliers again. This time to a Best Korea manufacturer and I’m not hearing very good reviews. Was it nationwide, IDK?

I have 8 of them in various sizes in my small fleet. I've never had a reason not to buy another one. Most of them are the higher grade with the 3 year warranty.

InsleyGuy said: I have 8 of them in various sizes in my small fleet. I've never had a reason not to buy another one. Most of them are the higher grade with the 3 year warranty. Click to expand... If it's working for you go with it.

Coaldust said: Just as easy to install new plates with the new acid. Short video illustrates the process. This is how I rebuild my batteries. I Never purchase new ones Click to expand... I mean this with all sincerity , professionalism, open mindedness , and a full on red neck engineering back ground.....what in the actual F ....... I bet that guy is 16 years old and he looks like that from all the toxic fumes and run off slipping thru his sandal'd toe jam. And for the record I'm team store batteries on concrete! You guys who put them on wood blocks are all but flat earthers .

77Ford said: And for the record I'm team store batteries on concrete! Click to expand... They're all good on concrete till one leaks and ruins your nice floor ....