Battery- stop gap?

[ericp351]

Hi all. 1 of the 4 (Military, #6 size) batteries crapped out. Reads just over 10V when I split up the 2 banks and test. Pair of #31 probably on the list, after Christmas bills clear. Until then- should I run 2 of the military ones, or leave all 4 and top off before a winter start? Thanks.

 

[NDT]

2 of the military ones that test out the best. The remaining 3 are not far behind if similar date codes.

 

[MarkM]

When you mix different batteries and potential it is inevitable some will be overcharged and some will be undercharged. This will greatly diminish the longevity of the pack. It's always better to match up batteries of the same age and potential and preferably with the same lot number. Just my .02 cents.

Mark

 

[ericp351]

Thanks to you both. I plan to change to 2, #31's, new, soon. My 4 are older, but dates are within a month/ a set. I wanted to confirm that using 2, fair batteries only are better than 3 fair ones with 1 that probably "dropped a cell". Post Script- interesting that both banks came out to 23.3 v when all hooked up including the bad one. "By the Book" batteries balancing out in the real world really happened.

 

[Jbulach]

Yes, drop to your two best for now, keep the third runner up charged and in the box for when one of those two give up the ghost. I can’t think of a practical way to run three 12v batteries in a straight 24v system?