Topic: Battery Charging
in Forum: C3 Electrical
I'm new to battery charging/maintaining and have a few questions. I bought whats seems to be a good battery charger/maintainer today. Can I just leave the charger connected all winter? In the manual it warns about battery fumes released during charging, is there a problem charging my battery (behind the rear seat) in the garage with the windows rolled up for long periods of time?
Today I tried to start the Vette for my weekly drive around the neighborhood and almost drained the battery down before it ever started. I went to wallymart and bought the charger.
Guess I shouldn't have waited so long
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

Moderator
You do not want to use a regular "trickle charger" for this purpose. They normally put out 3-5-8 amps, and that will eventually harm the batt., if using it for maintanence.

btw......did you ever get your trans problem fixed?

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Thanks for the info Joel My battery is a maintenance free battery so it shouldn't leak anything. Also the charger is designed for maintaing batteries, charges up to 14.4v and then shuts off until the voltage drops below a certain point.
Ahhhh the tranny No, due to my work schedule (12-14 hr days) and the rainy weather I havn't had a chance
I just keep it in 2nd as I cruise round the hood. The Vette runs great otherwise.
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
I have a quick disconnect on my battery and put on the trickle charger whenever I'm not driving. I usually only drive on the weekends and it just is a habit to hook up when I'm done for the weekend. Haven't had any battery problems. Got the trickle charger (they call it a "Float" charger) at the local Harbor Freight store on sale for @$8 if I remember right.
Larry
Ya Larry mines called a float charger also. I bought it at Walmart for like $17. It also came with a quick disconnect but I havn't had a chance to install it yet.
It took almost 24 hours to get the Green light (Full Charge) to come on, I was getting alittle worried
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
Wow, I had not started this car since I tired to start it last time on the 16th and drained the battery. Today I finally got it started and the battery was like bran new after being on that float charger.
Took her for a nice slow ride for about 30 mins in 2nd gear
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"

I leave mine in the car in the garage with no charger and during the winter and she starts up. Usually from November til April she's dormat. Ive never worried if it won't start in the garage I can put it on the charger anytime.

Moderator
A lot of our cars have problems with drainage if not driven enough. I have a disconnect, AND a "Batt. Tender" on the '74, after losing the first $280 repro batt I bought, due to sulfation.

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

