6 volt batteries

[jal]

I have been given two six volt batteries to use with my 12 volt trolling motor.
The batteries are showing charges of 6.12 and 6.18, is this good, bad or normal.
When I charge them can I put a 12 volt charger on them when they are connected in series and what should the volt meter read when charged.
Thank you,
jal

 

[byacey]

Re: 6 volt batteries

You can charge them in series, no problem there. The charged, settled voltage after removing the charger will vary slightly due to temperature, how good the batteries are and probably some other parameters unbeknownst to me.

If they read 12.5 to 12.8 in series they should be fine. Checking voltage this way isn't a good indication of the state of charge however, as a surface charge will read good until you start to load it, and then the voltage will take a nosedive.

A Better way is to check the specific gravity with a hydrometer if you can open the caps on the battery, and if not, just keep an eye on the charging current. With a charger capable of 10A or so, when the current drops to an 1 or 2 Amperes the batteries are charged.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 6 volt batteries

voltmeter or hydrometer either one, you'll have to dissipate the surface charge to get a good reading; you can either wait 6 or 10 hours, or you could apply a load for ten minutes or so (t/m on highest setting might do it) then wait another 5 minutes.