Charging,...

[Guest]

Is there any way that a 6 volt, 1 amp manual charger could overcharge my battery?

Do I need to watch for the bubbles or can I just leave it on?

When they say not to charge a frozen battery, do they mean I can't do it while it's still cold out, or just not if the liquid inside is frozen? I can always just take it out and charge it inside.

[Hap Call]

It will not work. You need a 12V charger that has greater potential than the battery.

Hap

[UncleMike]

Oh, it switches over to 12 volt as well.

[UncleMike]

So a 12volt, 1amp manual charger will or won't overcharge my battery?

I just need to know if I should be watching it charge or if I can hook it up and forget about it until a day or so later when I'll know it's been fully charged.

[Hap Call]

Yes, it can over charge the battery if it is not a regulated charger, that is it should put a voltage potential of a little more than 14 volts until the battery gets to around 13.2 volts at which point it should stop charging the battery. If it is not regulated, I would keep a close eye on it. The bubbles are found in all lead acid batteries and indicate that the battery is charging but too many bubbles can indicate that it is over-charging. Just check it often to insure that you are not over charging the battery.

Hap

[UncleMike]

Jesus. Maybe I should just return it for a more sophisticated battery...

[SqDancerLynn1]

bring it inside and let it defrost before you try to charge it

[UncleMike]

Ok, so I returned the manual and picked up a 12volt, 1.5 amp automatic charger. Can't hurt the battery now, right?

[earlfor]

The automatic charger, as the battery charges will auto reduce the charge rate until when the battery is fully charged, the charger will only be charging at a minimal trickle rate to maintain the battery level. (thats a long way of saying it will not hurt the battery) You will still have to check water level in the battery to be sure it is between the lines shown on the side of the battery.
Automatic chargers do not go get water. :-) :-) :-)

Earl

Ok, so I returned the manual and picked up a 12volt, 1.5 amp automatic charger. Can't hurt the battery now, right?

[UncleMike]

Rock.