Mixed batteries.

rdaystrom

I have posted some questions already about the jerky starts etc. This 04 Club Car DS I got used looks like new but as I investigated the batteries I found that it has two 2008 Trojans and four 2004 Trojans. I'm guessing the individual (not a dealer) I bought it from purchased it and replaced a couple of the batteries to get it going. So far the charger hasn't cut off after charging all day. Water levels are correct. Do I need all new batteries? Can I keep the two 2008 batteries and just buy 4 new ones? I think it charged up to about 48.5 volts and as I understand it should be more like 51v or 52v right? So is this bad news?? Thanks

BGW

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OLD MEC

I would guess that the two batterys that were replaced were the ones under the drivers seat as # 5 and #6 seem to go bad first? The older batterys can stop the charger from bringing up the total pack voltage. You may have ANOTHER BATTERY GOING BAD? Have you checked the individual battery voltages after letting the batterys sit for at least an hour after charging, and if so what were each ones readings? Also to find out condition it would be good to do a hydrometer test on each cell and post results. Use a hydrometer with temperature correction on side, not one of the loose ball types that are only good for antifreeze testing.
The set up you have with new and older batterys is not that good but for now lets find out what you have as far as condition on each battery. Mixing new and older batterys is not a good set up ( as your cart is only as good as the worst battery in the pack ), but many people that cant afford $600-$1000 at one time do mix and hope for the best?
I hope that the 2008 batterys are the same quality ( amp hour rated ) Trojans as the 2004 ones as this can cause more problems?

rdaystrom

Thanks for the encouragement. Well today it finally charged up and turned off. Pack voltage is 51 volts. Maybe it will be ok for a while.

scottyb

The main reason for NOT mixing old and new batteries is the charging amalgam is completely different for the two. YOU WILL COOK YOUR GOOD BATTERIES TO DEATH DOING WHAT YOU JUST DID REAL FAST.

GLEEMO

Also if you load test them you will find the old ones will be drawn down faster ,
resulting in much shorter run times, longer charge times, ...etc.

scottyb

The real damage is done in the recharging time

rdaystrom

It may be that the battery life, run times, and charge times will all be compromised. We did load test the batteries. The older batteries dropped only slightly less than the newer ones. I do not know the actual history behind this assortment of batteries but it appears that the older batteries were quite good. Time will tell if the run time is seriously compromised or not.

scottyb

Does it still charge up to EMPTY (48.5v)

rdaystrom

With correct water levels and clean cables and terminals it charged up to 51 volts and the charger turned off. I'll be able to assess run time over the next few days.

OLD MEC

Glad the pack has come up and hope for the best on how batterys will work? Im sure you will have a much shortened life with the new batterys but it maybe a some what of a trade off on life.
When you DO HAVE the next batterys go bad ( REPLACE THE WHOLE PACK ) to get you off on the right foot, and be sure and charge them as recommended to give maximum life and power. SeeTrojan Battery site for correct break in on new batterys.