Battery Life?

[Simplicity314]

Does anyone know, or can it be known, how long a battery would last on a battery ignition system if the SG wasn't charging? I replaced a battery that died in a couple days (Not even 2 hrs. running time). This new battery has lasted a few months (almost 10 hours of actual use, with lots of starts and shutdowns rearranging-moving tractors and plowing) and it is now dead. It's been colder and it has started no problem. I'm suspecting the SG. I tested the SG, per Al's article, and my voltage changed as the engine was reved, but it was irratic--don't know if it was because the engine dosn't rev smoothly all the time or if it is the meter. It's not a professional one, but it's not a cheapo either. It would seem to me that either the charge is working or it isn't, unless there's on off-chance of a frayed wire dangling or shorting interittenly with vibration. Any help, suggestions would be appreciated. Hey Tom Byrne--did you ever get that SG rebuilding equipment? Are you in business? Thanks.

[D-17_Dave]

Even bat. powered ign. systems don't use much power. The big load is from starting. Also lights would be a big draw on the bat. As for how long it would last, there are way to many unknown's in this eqaution to figure but an average life would be about a half dozen starts and probably about as many hrs on it before rechargeing.

[Mick14]

Mine has lasted 2 years,with the s/g not charging it.not even sure if it was new when i got it,it came with the tractor,i recharge it with a good charger that shuts off automatically.i've run the tractor 6-8 hours a day a few days a week in the summer-no idea how many starts in a day,and recharge it when i get it home.i've heard real bad things about trickle chargers,,,and good things about battery "maintainers",i guess they are like car batteries--you just never know .

[Dadsy98]

I'm assuming you're using a digital (numeric display) meter. Many times you'll see the display changing because of the resolution, ie, tenths or hundredths of a volt. try to borrow an analog meter- one with a moving needle type indication. This type of meter will show you how much flucuation is actually occurring because of it's lower sensistivity to minute changes in the circuit under test.

[Simplicity314]

hmmm...haven't used lights at all and no electric lifts or assessories. It should still be good given the starts/runtime. Ok..so either the battery is bad or I'm getting an unwanted draw somewhere that's killing it, regardless if the SG is working or not. I'll pass on the NAPA battery next time around and go with an Interstate, which I should have done in the first place. Thanks dave and mick.

[BLT]

Before you run off the end pier shouting new battery, determine if you have an unwanted drain. Try this first. You need to do where it will be somewhat dark. Next disconnect ground(NEGATIVE)cable from battery. Then darken the area and tap the ground cable on the negative post on the battery. With the igition switch off and if there is a slightest spark, the problem is not the battery and needs further diagnosis. I am not a NAPA agent or a Interstate agent. If LIKE batteries are properly maintained, one is no better then the other.

[RayS]

have you tested the voltage reglator to see if it is working properly? The Large frame repair manual explains how to check a voltage regulator. Or maybe it is the rectifer it is a kohler. I am just assuming that it is a Briggs because you mentioned starter-generator and people have converted them to battery ignition on here.

[UCD]

I just had a problem with the battery in my 7790. Three years ago to the day the battery went bad and I bought a 60 month 550 cca battery because I needed a battery and it was the largest available that day that would fit. The last couple times I started the tractor the battery would turn it over but I had to put the jumper cables on it to get it started. The last time I ran it I noticed it was charging over 10 amps and has never charged that high before. I shut it off and 15 min later it started right up but the next morning it would turn but very slow. I took it out and took it to the parts store and they tested it with a digital hand held battery tester.. They said it was good but just low charge. I told them to charge it and retest it with a load tester. They did this and when tested as soon as a load was put on it the voltage dropped real fast. (would not hold a load). This time I got an 850cca battery the largest that will fit 7"wide x 10"Long X 8" high. (cost me $63.64 after warrantee and core adj.) I had to take the air cleaner off and use a shoe horn to get it in. A 10 1/8" long battery would not have gone in. A good battery recharged when needed should last 4 to 5 years. It should start the tractor several times depending on length of time cranking, the amp draw and air temp before needing to be recharged. If a battery will take a charge but not hold a charge under load (load tested) it is bad. When buying a battery get a battery with the highest CCA number ( Cold Cranking Amps) Not CA (Cranking Amps). Most cheap batteries only use the CA number and not rated with a CCA number.

[oots]

The battery that i have in my 7016 has been in it for about 5 years. I dont use mine as much as ya'll do,but it has done me proud. It is a wal-mart brand, dont no if it will stay charged since i installed the lift system ,i guess is acording to how much i use it. nyuk nyuk

[Dadsy98]

UCD is right, load testing after a full charge is the only way to really tell the condition of the battery. Harbor Frieght sells one. I use mine at least half a dozen times a year so I know they're handy.

This will test any automotive or tractor battery. It has an easy to read analog meter as well.

[EDS]

If a battery is very cold, it won't take a charge like it will when it is warm. You might try bringing the battery inside to warm up then charge it.

[UCD]

It will take longer to charge a real cold battery but the process it self raises the temp of the battery to operating temp. The charging process generates heat. In order to load test a battery it must be fully charged. A 12 volt battery that reads 12 volts on a meter is discharged it should read over 13 volts on a meter to be considered charged.