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Old 10-08-2010, 05:52 PM   #1
LordofGolf
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Default Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

Hi All, I am new to the forum but have been looking for several weeks since I bought a used 2008 48SS. The issue I have is that the charger never goes off and and never shows full charge. The charging indicators always shows the AC plugged in and all 6 bars on the Ammeter. I tested each battery and they show 8.3 to 8.5 volts each and the hydrometer test shows that all are in the green. Twice the 80% charge led has also come on but my batteries are boiling through lots of fluid so I have to add distilled water every few days.

I have the maintenance manual but it is written in broken English and so it's hard to understand the tests in the troubleshooting section. It says the difference in battery voltage should be less than .7 volts and the batteries should be 9.3 volts. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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Old 10-08-2010, 05:57 PM   #2
scottyb
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

Disconnect the overactive charger and let the batteries settle for 12 hours without use .... redo the specific gravity tests and post voltage and SG readings here. Your charger is telling you that you have a bad battery.... it may be right or you may have a control board issue...... Good S/G meter with temp. compensation is needed. Not the floating balls type.
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Old 10-08-2010, 06:10 PM   #3
LordofGolf
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

Okay, Charger disconnected and I will post results tomorrow morning. I do have a temp compensating S=G tester. Thanks for the quick reply!
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Old 10-08-2010, 06:23 PM   #4
scottyb
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

I'm not familiar with your cart ...... does it have an on-board computer? Or is the charger a stand alone unit?
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Old 10-08-2010, 06:34 PM   #5
FIXEROFCARTS
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

You could also just cut to the chase and test the batteries while it is still on the charger and take battery readings, that will tell you if you have a bad battery that is causing the charger to not shut off.
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Old 10-08-2010, 06:37 PM   #6
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

Its a Tomberlin, Don't they use a deltaQ Scotty?
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Old 10-08-2010, 06:49 PM   #7
LordofGolf
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

Yes it's a 2008 Tomberlin with a built in DeltaQ charger (according to other posts). I took the voltage readings again and have the following:
Total 51.4
8.63
8.56
8.63
8.52
8.57
8.53

I will take these again in the morning along with a new s/g test and post the results.
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Old 10-09-2010, 10:23 AM   #8
Splash
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

The Delta-Q Charger is a programmable charger which can be loaded with different charge algorithms for different batteries. There was an update to the algorithm on some of the 2008 models. Your dealer should have a dongle that can connect to your charger and check which program it is set for and update it if needed.

From your description I don't believe that either the batteries or charger are an issue and that the charger program may just need to be updated which can be done in just a few minutes with the dongle and software the dealer has.

It does sound like your batteries could use an equalization charge as well and that should be done before using a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity. I suggest that you have the charger programming checked first.

To perform the equalization charge first let the charger charge as normal and cycle off then unplug the charger and let it stand for about 30 minutes then plug it back in and let it run through the complete cycle and turn off again. This will intentionally gas the batteries and mix the electrolyte and should be performed routinely about once a month to get the best battery life.

It is normal for the batteries to gas during charging. If your batteries are getting wet on the tops during the charge cycle it is most probable that they are over filled.

Hope this helps, Splash
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Old 10-09-2010, 11:42 AM   #9
scottyb
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

NICE first post Splash
Welcome to BGW
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Old 10-09-2010, 10:14 PM   #10
LordofGolf
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Default Re: Boiling Batteries test good - Bad Charger?

I bought this used and I don't have a dealer anywhere close but I am a geek and can probably update this myself. Do you (or anyone else) have a link to the software and instructions to update the controller? I assume I will need the RS232 cable that's needed to increase the speed.

I did another S/G test this morning and all of the cells were 1270 or above except one, which was 1250. The description says this is fair but could this be the problem? My charger never indicates the batteries get fully charged and rarely does it indicate they get to 80%.

Also, the fan that appears to cool the motor runs all the time. Is this normal? I have the maintenance manual but not the owners manual so i am not sure what to expect regarding normal operation. Thanks for all the input from everyone so far. Great to have an active forum.
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