Battery immediately dropping to 10.5V under load

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jswesterman
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Joined: 7/2/14
Posts: 22
Battery immediately dropping to 10.5V under load

Hi,

I've noticed that one of my batteries is not holding its charge.  During charging (shore power, engine), the voltmeter on the control panel shows 13V.  When charger is turned off but no load applied then voltmeter still shows 13V.  But when any load is applied the voltmeter immediately drops to 10.5V.  Before assuming the battery needs to replaced, was wondering if this is a symptom of low distilled water inside the battery.

Thanks
Jeremy

Jeremy Westerman
"Odette", 2005 Catalina 36 Mk II, #2213
Benicia, CA

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clennox
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Joined: 3/31/14
Posts: 212

My guess is you have a dead cell. The battery may very well be low on water, if it is so low that your getting 10.5 volts the damage is already done. You can fill it charge it and do the load test again to be sure.

Chuck Lennox
97 MKii Ventura Ca
Island Girl Hull #1611

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HowLin
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Joined: 1/12/12
Posts: 355

If you are correct that the CHARGING VOLTAGE is 13V then something is wrong with your charger.
However, if as you stated, it is the same with both charger and engine, then  it may be drawn down by a short in the battery as stated...
 

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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