Battery Question

Discussion in 'Technical' started by PAMaverick, Nov 13, 2008.

  1. PAMaverick

    PAMaverick Member

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    The '73 I just acquired has been sitting in a garage since Mar '04, hasn't been run more than a couple of times and has a dead battery (no surprise). However the mfg date on the battery is Mar '04 and looks to be brand new. Is there any hope that it will take a charge after all this time, or should I just replace it?

    What do you think?

    Phil
     
    PAMaverick, Nov 13, 2008
    #1
  2. Ryan

    Ryan Ford Addict

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    I would replace it and save the headache.
     
    Ryan, Nov 13, 2008
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  3. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    if you have bat charger, put it on it and see what happens. you will want to start with a trickel charge for few hours before you put higher amp charge on it.
     
    Bryant, Nov 13, 2008
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  4. maverick1970

    maverick1970 MCG State Rep

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    maverick1970, Nov 13, 2008
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  5. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    Can't hurt to try and see if it takes a charge. :)
     
    don graham, Nov 13, 2008
    #5
  6. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Its been discharged for 4 yrs.Hot and cold cycled (summer/winter)and has more than likely been frozen a few times.You can try charging it but I doubt you will get it to come back to a useable state... get a new one...
     
    Mavman72, Nov 13, 2008
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  7. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    ^^ What he said.
     
    rthomas771, Nov 13, 2008
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  8. newtoford

    newtoford Member

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    id try to charge it but still count on having to buy a new one
     
    newtoford, Nov 13, 2008
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  9. PaulS

    PaulS Member extrordiare

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    When a battery sits in a discharged state for even six months lead sulphate on the plates tend to crystalize. Once it crystalizes no matter how much you charge it you lose up to 50% of the capacity. After three years I doubt it will have enough capacity to start the engine warm.
    You may get it to take and hold a charge but you are never going to have the cold cranking amps from it that you did when it was new.
     
    PaulS, Nov 14, 2008
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  10. PAMaverick

    PAMaverick Member

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    Thanks guys for all your help and advise. It seems the majority think it's worth a try to charge it, but not to expect too much. I'm going to the auto parts store for a replacement now. THANKS again.
     
    PAMaverick, Nov 14, 2008
    #10

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