Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Blew my battery?
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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billski
Joined: Apr 16, 2005
Points: 9
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Blew my battery?
Original Message Apr 16, 2005 8:26 pm |
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I have a 3YO Snapper RER mower. For the second year in a row, I left the battery connected and the ignition switch to "on" for the winter. I need not tell you what happened. Again . Is there any hope of recharging the battery? I manually started the engine and ran it for a half hour. Just a "click" when I turn over the starter. Last year when this happened, I took the battery dealer's advice and just got a new battery. Is the battery toast? I don't want to waste money on a battery charger if the charge won't hold. By the end of leaf cleanup in the fall (end of November), it's quite cold and the last thing I want to do is futz around outside. So, I run the engine till all the gas is gone and push it into the garage. Fergets to switch it to off or remove the battery (don't go there.....) You think I would know better. I have an EE degree to boot. Double-duh. Such is life... Thanks!
This message was modified Apr 16, 2005 by billski
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billski
Joined: Apr 16, 2005
Points: 9
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Re: Blew my battery?
Reply #2 Apr 16, 2005 9:33 pm |
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Thanks for the welcome. I might have better luck with a lightening rod.... I just presumed it was a sealed unit. If not, I'll check the levels. Thanks.
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Highwind
Despite the high cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so popular.
Joined: Jan 13, 2004
Points: 985
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Re: Blew my battery?
Reply #5 Apr 17, 2005 1:05 am |
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Hi Billski, I presume that your battery likely discharged slowly through the ignition circuitry, so I don't know that the battery cells would necessarily be low. It would not be good for the plates as they would sufate when exposed to air. The deep discharge of the battery would also lead to sulfation products on the plates so it might not be able to hold a charge anymore. Sealed batteries really aren't sealed. The place I've bought a few at puts the acid in when you buy the battery. The caps come back off as I've removed them to check the fluid level. You can then add demineralized water (not tap water) but only enough to the fill line. Then, if you can borrow an automatic charger, try to charge it. Make sure you use the correct current setting. Check the charger manual as you can harm a smaller battery by attempting to charge it with a high current. My charger runs at 2 amps for the smaller 12V battery in my snowblower, and 10 amps for the deep cycle and car battery, but it automatically adjusts both current and voltage within those maximum levels. If it doesn't take a charge at all, then one or more cells has likely failed. Should the battery charge, it might not be holding a very strong charge. Leave it sit to cool down (oh yeah, while it is charging check that it doesn't heat up too much or you will boil off water) for 12 hours. Then check the voltage. It should be over 12V. To really check it after is has been charged you could connect a load to it. I connect an old 12V car vacuum to mine and then run it for about 15 minutes. Check the battery voltage to see if it is holding 12V or better. Above all be careful with the battery. That acid is really nasty stuff and will burn you severely.
Honda stable: HS 724 snowblower; HRS216 lawnmower; BF2 UWWW; 5 HP, 2200 psi/2.9 GPM pressure washer. Electric: BV2500 B&D Leaf Hog/snow duster; old 12" Weedeater.
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billski
Joined: Apr 16, 2005
Points: 9
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Re: Blew my battery?
Reply #6 Apr 17, 2005 5:35 am |
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Thank you everyone for the hope. It's a NAPA battery. When I removed the stickers which revealed the plugs, it looks like they are just pressed in. They are flat, flush with the battery top and have no obvious means for removal. NAPAonline says it's a $20 battery. It might just be worth the $20 rather than go through a lot of trouble for uncertain return.
Couple more questions:
How long does a battery normally last in the Northeast? Turned over once a week, grass cutting season only. This is a 31" RER Snapper with Briggs engine.
I am also presuming this engine has a battery charging system, correct?
Any comments on batteries from NAPA? There aren't many dealer choices for batteries near me and this was the only battery they pitched me last time.
Thank you again.
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robmints
Joined: May 13, 2003
Points: 4691
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Re: Blew my battery?
Reply #9 Apr 17, 2005 10:40 am |
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Hi Billski, I presume that your battery likely discharged slowly through the ignition circuitry, so I don't know that the battery cells would necessarily be low. It would not be good for the plates as they would sufate when exposed to air. The deep discharge of the battery would also lead to sulfation products on the plates so it might not be able to hold a charge anymore.
Thanks Highwind, I mis-spoke about the cells being dry. The main thing I guess I would think about is if it froze and damaged the case. Is the battery white? Can you see the liquid inside? With a bright light, you might be able to see the liquid level and the lead level. As long as the lead is covered, you might be OK.
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