New battery voltage

zoegrant

zoegrant

Well-known member
My new 6 volt battery when left overnight on a trickle charger which states that it is fully charged only reads 6.38 volts. If each cell is 2.2 volts then it should read 6.6 volts....where does the other .22 volt go ?
Or is the 6.6 volt fully charged only theoretical ?
 
A trickle charger is not meant to fully charge a battery. If voltage is low, it will be as a result of a faulty/mal-adjusted charging system or a defective battery.

A charging system is not designed to bring up a partially discharged battery either. That has to be done on a charger and then fully tested. Then the charging system has to be brought up to specs.

Were you able to properly adjust the NAPA VR?


For instance, a 6 volt battery will have 3 cells (3 x2.2= 6.6 volts), a 12 volt battery will have 6 cells (6 x2.2=13.2 volts) and so on.That 2.2 volts is the fully charged, straight off the charger number. The actual resting voltage, or the voltage a battery will settle at 12-24 hours after being removed from the charger, is closer to 2.1 volts per cell, or about 6.4 volts for a 6v battery, and 12.7 volts for a 12v battery. These numbers assume 100% healthy cells, and may vary a bit lower for older batteries.
Click to expand...


https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/fre...ies-faq/12-volt-battery-reading-13-volts.html
 
Could only get the adjustment on the VR to charge up to 6.8 volts at 1500 rpm on warmed up engine. Going to test ride the car today...
The gen light would only come on at upper RPM`S,( 1500) or higher and go off at ( 1200) RPM`S
Will let you know if it still does that.
 
Just got back from my 20 mile test drive with headlights and radio on. The gen light never came on. After I shut the engine off I took a voltage test with the multimeter and the reading was 6.76 volts. Took another reading 1/2 hour later and reading is now 6.47 volts.
So, it looks like the adjustment I made previously on the VR is ok..
The only question I have is where should the voltage from the battery settle down to ? What should the multimeter read tomorrow ?
 
What is the highest voltage a generator should charge on a 6V system before the water in the battery boils out ???

I believe that I should get another VR as now the battery is charging over 8 volts at idle.
With the car off the voltage in the battery settles at 6.40 volts
 
zoegrant said:
What is the highest voltage a generator should charge on a 6V system before the water in the battery boils out ???

I believe that I should get another VR as now the battery is charging over 8 volts at idle.

With the car off the voltage in the battery settles at 6.40 volts
Click to expand...

So after START, the GEN is putting out 8V? How long does it stay that high?

Two things - SYSTEM VOLTAGE DROP TEST and STARTER DRAW TEST.

It may be that the STARTER is drawing too much current and the GEN has to over compensate. When you see bubbles in the electrolyte, the BAT case gets wet and/or you smell it, that is too much. Keep it topped (distilled water) until you find the cause. What make is the BAT?
 
just let the car idle longer than previously and the amp meter read 9 volts before I shut the engine off....checked the electrolyte and it was bubbling.
The car starts at first turn of key so starter seems ok.
The battery is a 6 Volt, case stamped NAPA COMMERCIAL....640 CCA
 
That much over 7.5 volts sounds too high to me.

An amp meter that indicates in volts? :confused: I'm confused.
 
Just ordered another VR from NAPA.....will try that and hopefully it will be ok.
I really don't care wether or not I can return the other VR.
If the new one does not work then I will be heading over to see the generator rebuilder.
Will keep you posted.
 
zoegrant said:
Just ordered another VR from NAPA.....will try that and hopefully it will be ok.
I really don't care wether or not I can return the other VR.

If the new one does not work then I will be heading over to see the generator rebuilder.

Will keep you posted.
Click to expand...

Maybe ask the re-builder what VR he uses/recommends?
 
We all know what "napa " stands for -- Never American Parts Available..
Don't know where Tolland, CT. Is -- but am leaving Thursday for Thompson Speedway for the swap meet up there this weekend....
I have U.S.A. made 6 Volt Ford Voltage Regulators in the van...

Call me if you need or like -- Craig -- 516 - 485 - 1935.....
 
Hi Craig...the Napa VR is "stamped" made in USA, Company is ECHLIN....
Thompson is close by, 35 miles.....you should have good weather...regards
 
- ECHLIN is STANDARD -
 

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Kultulz...Thanks for the info on Echlin....even tho the item is stamped made in the USA it does not necessarily mean that it is...unbelievable.
I do have another question.
Besides the 55 Ford that I am having a VR issue with, I also have a 36 Ford. I looked at the 36 catalogue I have for these early Fords and saw that they list VR`s for 6 volt positive & negative ground....I am not having an issue with the 36.
My 55 ford is 6v positive ground, could this be my problem ? Maybe the VR from NAPA is for Negative ground and will not work properly on a positive ground car ?
I thought that I had read somewhere that VR were not polarity sensitive.
I need help with this situation.
 
zoegrant said:
Kultulz...Thanks for the info on Echlin....even tho the item is stamped made in the USA it does not necessarily mean that it is...unbelievable.
Click to expand...

As in the box reading PRINTED IN USA or COMPONENTS DOMESTIC and/or IMPORTED?

My 55 ford is 6v positive ground, could this be my problem ? Maybe the VR from NAPA is for Negative ground and will not work properly on a positive ground car ?

I thought that I had read somewhere that VR were not polarity sensitive.
I need help with this situation.
Click to expand...

There were (are?) VR's made available for either GRD, had a changeover switch and/or were not polarity sensitive. If not application specific, the VR should have an instruction sheet and/or be so marked.

I would think a VR sold for the specific application (1955 FORD 6V POS GRD) would be just that. What NAPA PN do you have? Ask the parts dude if any notes are in cataloging.

You have been polarizing the GEN with every disconnect?
 
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