rigdent wrote: > Richard thanks for your interest , you asked >> >> What type of batteries are they? > > dont know thw brand but they are four off 6V deep discharge wet cell > lead acid batteries of 200 Ah each in as series parrallel arrangement > to give 12V 400 AH. > >> How long were they left at a discharged state? > > I dont think they were left discharged but rather they were > insufficiently charged but a faulty alternator whch was only getting > up to about 13.8V and putting out a few amps. I beleive that were > taken from say 75% to 50%. We monitor the batteries with a volt watch > and should stp discharge when the 11.5V light comes on
Do you have a extra alternator regulator (e.g Adverc). IFAIK a standard alternator will only get you 80% charged anyway. Personally I don't think one can beat a permanent voltmeter in the system - mine is a LCD one, resolution 0.01V, I can see the Adverc nicely cycling 14.08 and 14.48, It also shows a nice (not too big!) drop when I engage the glow plugs. I put it in two years ago, and if it ever fails, a new one would be added ASAP. [Data from old order = RadioSpares http://rswww.com (they call it a 12V Battery Monitor), actually made by Datel model No. DMS-20LCD-0-DCM] Ron Jones Process Safety & Development Specialist Don't repeat history, unreported chemical lab/plant near misses at http://www.crhf.org.uk Only two things are certain: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not certain about the universe. ~ Albert Einstein
