Battery help

[Steelhammer]

I know the answert to this, to do it properly. However, I just need this cart to last for trick or treating in a few weeks with my kids then I'll buy the proper batteries in the spring. I have two brand new deep cycle marine trolling batteries that I could add another one to to make the 36v I need I know it won't last as long as using 6 6v batteries but I should get enough out of them. Anywho, I went through the 6 Trojans that were in the cart and found two that sill held a charge. They charged up with a 12 bolt charger so I gave it a shot and wired the two 6 volt batteries and the two 12 volt batteries. The cart ran great for about 1/2 mile or so then stopped dead. Lifting the seat revealed a melted wire going from 12v (-) to 6v (+). The entire length ofvthecwire had bubbling insulation dripping off. The terminals were still tight , thank god I had a pair of bolt gutters that were able to cut the cable in half, stopping the burn. Y wound this happen ? Ideas?

check for reverse polarity on one of the batteries

[mrgolf]

Check voltage starting at one end, check one battery then move one more to make it checking two, then so on. The voltage should increase the voltage of each battery.

[Steelhammer]

Can't sleep so I went out and checked everything. Polarity was fine, voltage increased after every battery, but I did notice that the two Trojan batteries I was trying to use are bulging out on the sides. Think I'll just get another DC trolling battery for now instead of causing a whole lot more problems to save a few bucks. Btw... I was told from the previous owner that this cart was used every weekend at a campground....... after cleaning the batteries I found they were stamped aug 2003.... Not too bad, 11years!!

[mrgolf]

Check with a golf cart repair shop. You may find a good deal on some used batteries that will last until spring.

[jakesnake27]

Originally Posted by Steelhammer

Can't sleep so I went out and checked everything. Polarity was fine, voltage increased after every battery, but I did notice that the two Trojan batteries I was trying to use are bulging out on the sides. Think I'll just get another DC trolling battery for now instead of causing a whole lot more problems to save a few bucks. Btw... I was told from the previous owner that this cart was used every weekend at a campground....... after cleaning the batteries I found they were stamped aug 2003.... Not too bad, 11years!!

11 years, wow
Bulging means they are getting old and building up sulfate on the lead plates...