Testing high-capacity (golf-cart type) batteries

[Paul Burridge]

Hi all,

What's the best way of testing a high capacity 12 volt battery? I have
two identical ones purchased concurrently and whilst when new they
would both be within a tenth of a volt (with no load attached) of each
other following a charge-up, I've recently noticed that one of them is
now consistently lower than the other by about 0.75V. I need to
establish if this one is reaching the end of its useful life.
Obviously I can think of various ways of testing them against each
other, but I'd prefer to do by some recognised approved method. So how
do I go about this? They're dry gel electrolyte type, BTW, so IIRC,
totally draining them is a no-no.

Thanks.

 

[Patch]

Hi all,

What's the best way of testing a high capacity 12 volt battery? I have
two identical ones purchased concurrently and whilst when new they
would both be within a tenth of a volt (with no load attached) of each
other following a charge-up, I've recently noticed that one of them is
now consistently lower than the other by about 0.75V. I need to
establish if this one is reaching the end of its useful life.
Obviously I can think of various ways of testing them against each
other, but I'd prefer to do by some recognised approved method. So how
do I go about this? They're dry gel electrolyte type, BTW, so IIRC,
totally draining them is a no-no.

Thanks.

Take them to your local auto battery shop, they should be able to sort it
out.

 

[William R. Walsh]

Hi!

It may not be incredibly precise, but I like to use a specific gravity
meter. That has always worked well for me...

William

 

[lcoe]

Hi!

It may not be incredibly precise, but I like to use a specific gravity
meter. That has always worked well for me... > William

i disagree, spec.grav. is what most "pro-shops" will use for golf carts.

never saw a tester for gel-cells, tho, ymmv, --Loren