Are float chargers bad????

[mrtool2u]

I have a group 29 Interstate battery that I bought in may 2001,and I believe it it shot already.I keep it on a good float charger in the winter,but I thought that I would get more from this battery.My dad has a older Interstate battery in a old truck that never gets drove,and it lasted like 8 years.<br /> The fluid was a bit low this spring,but I topped it off with didtilled,charged,but it deems very weak.Any and all info much appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: Are float chargers bad????

What makes you think it is weak, Mrtool?<br /><br />Go to the FAQ section and follow the trooubleshooting for starter troubles in the "Outboard wont start" article.<br /><br />Expect to find the trouble in the wiring.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[mrtool2u]

Re: Are float chargers bad????

I am 99% sure that is not the starter.I checked it with a hydrometer,and it had very poor readings,,and takes very little time to charge,which is usually a bad sign.Once I hooked up a jump starter,it cranked good.is this a average life span for a battery,,less than 3 year's.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Are float chargers bad????

MrTool<br />I have never had a battery on my boat that did not last 6 years. When you have this charger on a good battery what voltage does the battery read??<br />If it is a cheap unregulated trickle charger then most will over charge and destroy the battery when it runs low on water.

 

[mrtool2u]

Re: Are float chargers bad????

From all that I have read,and talikng to the owner of the company,this is one of the best.It maintains a constant 13.4 volts,mostly just a bit lower.This particular model also desulfates the battery.the strange part is that my bro also had a interstate battery that he also had bad luck with,,in his trailer.this unit is a sure charge,,around a 50.00 unit.Like I said in my original post,the fluid was low,,but it had 3 other batteries on it,,,which it is capeable of,,and their fluid was fine.Any and all info appreciated.