Re: [ihc] Mean Green and some considerable rambling

[John Hofstetter <hofs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Jul 21, 2004, at 7:05 AM, Ted Borck wrote:

> John:
>
> I'm still using the original Delco alternator in my 72 Scout II (61 
> amp according to the line setting ticket).
>
> Is the Delco alternator considered to be "modern" enough to replace 
> the resistance field wire with one w/no resistance?
>
> Having driven Scout IIs extensively (tho not within the past 4 years) 
> since the mid 80s, ISTR having to purchase batteries every two years 
> or so.
>
> I suspect a higher charging rate (while maintaining the water level) 
> may extend battery life & brighter lights.
>
> --
> Ted Borck	tborck@domain.elided
Mr. Hernandez told me that he converts all the older alternators (at 
least of the Delco type) to a non-resistance field feed. So, the answer 
to your question is yes. And, I think you will find that doing so will 
extend your battery life considerably.

I was kind of taught, a half century ago, that you wanted to treat 
batteries gently and  recharge them at voltages that would barely 
exceed their rated voltage. Hence, the trickle charge. Now, it is 
believed that  batteries have to have the higher voltage charging to 
maintain their integrity. You may know already, Ted, that RV batteries 
should be "equalized" which is occasionally charging them at voltages 
in the 15.8 volts range. My understanding of this process is that you 
actually bring the electrolyte to a boil in order to condition the 
battery. In order to do this, you use a high voltage charger without a 
taper capability to equalize the battery.

Too many variables to draw a definite conclusion, but it certainly 
seems to me that my Terra battery is doing much better with the higher 
voltage output, than batteries did before. My old Travelall with two 
batteries ate batteries regularly, one a year maybe. I'm convinced due 
to  hind sight, that if I'd raised the charging voltage, I'd have 
gotten much better battery life.

John

John Hofstetter
Ol' Saline
www.goldrush.com/~hofs