Good morning,
I currently have 4 batteries wired in parallel. Is there a better way to wire them to balance out charging when the engine is running or on a charger?
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Charging 4 batteries
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Overhaulin, Dec 13, 2023.
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Not really. Normal operational charging via the alternator is a compromise.
Your best option is to hook up a trickle charger, maybe a 2 amp, no more than 10 amp. Probably one of the newer smart chargers.
Do this on your days off / home time. Other guys have reported that instead of getting 2 or 3 years out of their batteries, they can get 5 years life just by letting them slow charge over the weekend. It helps to balance things out.Overhaulin and Rideandrepair Thank this. -
Are you having any issues that you want to "balance out charging"? Things are designed a way for reasons as explained above.Overhaulin and Rideandrepair Thank this. -
The system was originally designed for 4 batteries; 1994 COE White/GMC Detroit 60 series. The way the system charges the closest batteries appear to fully charged but by the time you get to the last it has dropped from 12.8 to 12V. Has anyone here used an isolator to balance the charging?
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Overhaulin Thanks this.
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Bing VideosOverhaulin and Big Road Skateboard Thank this. -
If you are measuring voltage drop across the batteries you have a connection issues or increased resistance from battery to battery. Either inside the jump cables or at the eyelet connection to the battery post itself.
With everything clean and tight the the voltage should measure the same and the connection of the charge point at the bank does not matter.Overhaulin, W923, 86scotty and 2 others Thank this. -
Got the green goop up inside of cables ?
When was the last time they were changed ?Overhaulin Thanks this. -
As said above, if the voltage has dropped from the first battery to the last then you've most likely got poor connections or rotted cables.
Overhaulin and W923 Thank this. -
Most of my batteries last 1-3 years beyond the end of the warranty.uncleal13 and Overhaulin Thank this.
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