Brand New Battery Defective--Or Not???

[rlb2252]

The boat I want to purchase wouldn?t crank. Took it to a mechanic who said the battery (a new one), was no good. The boat owner bought the boat and battery six months ago. The boat sat in a garage all that time, never started or used.

The mechanic stuck in a new one under the warranty.

A brand new battery that comes from the factory bad. Is that very, very rare? Could this battery issue be masking other problems, alternator or other electrical issues?

 

[HAV2FISH]

Re: Brand New Battery Defective--Or Not???

New bad battery it does happen from time to time. I bought one for my car about 4 years ago took it home and it wouldn't even crank the motor. Tested the thing and it was dead as could be. Took it back and got another and its still going strong.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Brand New Battery Defective--Or Not???

Ever bought anything electric or electronic and had it defective when you got it home? As they say -- "stuff happens" and yes, new batteries do go bad. Since the battery was installed six months ago and never used, it was probably "killed" by the fact it wasn't fully charged when installed. Six months of non-use in that condition killed it. Start the engine and look at the voltmeter. It tells you what the electrical system is doing. Anything over 12.6 at 1500 RPM says the alternator is charging. The reading will typically be in 13.2 - 14.6 volt range.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Brand New Battery Defective--Or Not???

The mechanic stuck in a new one under the warranty.

bubba; this would lead me to believe he no longer has original.

when one gets a warranted item, don't they keep the old item for return?

 

[gandude]

Re: Brand New Battery Defective--Or Not???

On two occasions I have had brand new batteries fail. They were both 6 volt and bought 1 year apart, same brand different stores. Batteries can short out internally or open internally. Because of the weight, shock and mishandling can cause this. Mount strap tie-downs on your boat to increase battery life.