Battery charged?

[pvisser]

How do you know if your battery is fully charged? Volt Meter reads 12 Volts, Battery is a deep cycle. Also should the motor charging voltage be increasing as the rpms increase? Engine charges at around the 13 volt range, and was as high as 15 or 16 with very high idle.. 1966 Johnson 80 HP Super Sea-Horse<br /><br />My Volt Meter is a Digital Multi-Meter, Just wondering if I can somehow check the ampage,<br /><br />Also how long should I leave the battery charger on for? (Not a trickle charger)<br /><br />Thanks

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Battery charged?

There is a few ways of determining if a battery is fully charged. Some are much more accurate than others. The most accurate ways are:<br /><br />1)While charging at a rate of 2-5 amps, check the electrolyte "specific gravity" in 1 hour intervals until no increase in reading is observed. At that point, you are fully charged.<br /><br />2)Charge the battery for atleast 48 hours without allowing the charge voltage to exceed 14.5 volts and/or 2-5amps. By the time 48 hours is reached, you will be fully charged.<br /><br />Some people just take specific gravity readings or voltage readings and comparing to a chart. It is not always accurate and very subjective. They may get you close, and maybe thats good enough for your purposes. <br />As far as reading amperage, does you meter have a current test function?<br /><br />As for your last question, you can leave the charger on as long as you want as long as the battery voltage doesn't exceed more than 14.5-15v or warm to the touch......

 

[pvisser]

Re: Battery charged?

Thanks for all that.<br /><br />But do I need to be concerned about the engine charge voltage jumping with higher rpm's??<br /><br />Thanks

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Battery charged?

sounds normal for a unregulated charging system. I believe thats what you have....