Battery Load Tester

[BIGNASTY]

Haven't started the Dodge for awhile and it hesitated just a second, was looking at a battery load tester anybody use one of these? this one is down at the Napa store in town, Checks Batt's, Charging System and starter. Was wondering how this would work on our 2 battery system in the Dodge?? Any other tool to look at is welcomed

Schumacher BT-100 Battery Load Tester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVHlG9qgr8k


BIG

 

[seafish]

IMO the best way to read the state of a battery is with a battery hydrometer -- it checks the specific gravity, and thus the state of charge in each and every cell. If one or more cells read bad, or all cells read marginal, then it is time to replace your batteries. Of course, you need to have a NON-sealed battery in order to use one. I also have a load tester form Harborfrieght that I use in cases where I cannot use the hydrometer. On the one I have, you set the load dial for twice the CCA of the battery you are checking and then check the voltage meter after 15 seconds…the voltmeter is also calibrated for "good, ok, bad". All in all, I feel that the hydrometer gives a more accurate idea of the batteries longevity. They cost only a few dollars at any auto supply shop.

 

[DavidC]

IMO the best way to read the state of a battery is with a battery hydrometer -- it checks the specific gravity, and thus the state of charge in each and every cell. If one or more cells read bad, or all cells read marginal, then it is time to replace your batteries. Of course, you need to have a NON-sealed battery in order to use one. I also have a load tester form Harborfrieght that I use in cases where I cannot use the hydrometer. On the one I have, you set the load dial for twice the CCA of the battery you are checking and then check the voltage meter after 15 seconds…the voltmeter is also calibrated for "good, ok, bad". All in all, I feel that the hydrometer gives a more accurate idea of the batteries longevity. They cost only a few dollars at any auto supply shop.

I also have both as stated

I also use a battery tender because the truck sits for long periods of time. When using the load tester I always isolate the batteries by removing the cables, just seems safer to me.

Dave

 

[BIGNASTY]

Thanks Dave

We live off Grid so using the battery tender really isn't an option

Thanks for the other brand of load tester I'll take a look at it

 

[DavidC]

Thanks Dave

We live off Grid so using the battery tender really isn't an option

Thanks for the other brand of load tester I'll take a look at it

Maybe a solar battery maintainer ?. Something is better than nothing when batteries have a chance to calcify. I have not used one but they are popular for RV's.

Dave

 

[DavidC]

I use the hydrometer from McMaster-Carr. Same type I used in USAF with tempereture compensation
http://www.mcmaster.com/#battery-testing-hydrometers/=vbzs8j

Dave

 

[jhenderson]

No matter which electronic tester you use, remember to disconnect the batteries from each other. If you don't , a good battery will mask the problem with the bad battery.

 

[BIGNASTY]

No matter which electronic tester you use, remember to disconnect the batteries from each other. If you don't , a good battery will mask the problem with the bad battery.

Ya I wasn't to sure how that would work on a two batt system. I disconnected them from the system, one batt said 13 v the other was 10v using a Multi Meter. Costco Batteries bought 4/10 don't know what I will get on a Pro Rate, Warranty was 36 mo, new battery replacement after that 100 mo limited (pro rated) warranty.

Should have used the truck more so it may be my fault this Cold Sucks The Life out of EVERYTHING!!

Live and Learn

BIG

 

[DavidC]

That is when batteries seem to have problems, cold or heat. It happens with daily drivers also. The main problem with not driving or having a maintainer seems to be calcification in the cells. Even with the tender I usually pop the caps and check the level and add distilled water if needed. Cost me 200+ last time I needed batteries, they were 6 years old tho, but i still complained.

Dave

 

[Wayne M.]

Yes, definitely test batteries independently, and I like the carbon pile load tester like the cen tech unit above. Once the battery has been charged properly, a hydrometer is the best tool to check each cell. Good luck in the weather BIG. It's coming this way!

 

[DavidC]

Thought I would post this regarding the temperature compensating hydrometer as it is a handy reference. This is for the McMaster-Carr unit but can be referenced for the specific gravity readings.

Dave

 

[fest3er]

One of these years I should I should load-test my Optimas, just for grins. They've been in the truck 12-13 years. For some years now when very cool to frigid, the engine cranks slowly for the first ½-second grind, then returns to normal speed. One of the OEM batteries showed 'dead' in the little window after 5-6 years. These red Optimas have been the one of the best things I've ever bought; if Optima's manufacturing processes are still as good, I'll buy them again (if I ever have to replace these).