Battery Health and Capacitance
- Action: To Do List item A0181 – Determine health and capacitance of batteries.
- Completed: 23 April 2017
- Cost: $120.00
As previously discovered, on 8 February 2017, the voltage check of the Toyama model NPG225-6 batteries did not yield favorable results. These batteries were still connected to the solar charger and to obtain such extremely low voltage readings meant the batteries were all suspect - dead.
When we returned to Indra on April 2017, we discovered the top of three of the four Toyama model NPG225-6 batteries had distortions and cracks - these batteries were all unusable. A check of the Motolite Solar Master Deep Cycle 70 amp hour, lead-acid battery also revealed its liquid had evaporated off and the battery was also dead.
After checking with the other boat owners and limited internet searches, it became very clear that either GEL or AGM batteries were unavailable locally. Went to a Motolite store in Davao City, and purchased another Motolite Solar Master Deep Cycle 70 amp hour, lead-acid battery for Peso 6,000.00 (US $120.00) as a temporary solution.
On the aft starboard side, removed the batteries, the battery box, and the electrical components mounted on the bulkhead wall since most of these components were defective anyway. As the picture reveals - a rat's nest of wiring problems was exposed.
Next sorted out the existing wiring and connected the new Motolite Solar Master Deep Cycle 70 amp hour, lead-acid battery, to act as the house bank battery. The solar charger output was also connected to the battery. This enabled use of LED lighting and DC powered fans.
Research on the internet for suitable, same physical size, AGM replacement batteries was on hold until we returned to Naga City, Cebu as the internet speed at Holiday Oceanview Marina was severely limited.
Added to the To Do List:
- A0203 – Order and install four 6 volt AGM house bank batteries and one 12 volt AGM engine start battery.
- A0214 – Clean, sand, and apply paint to starboard quarter birth area before battery installation.
- A0215 – Apply coat of epoxy and paint to wooden battery box.
- A0216 – Determine method to secure wooden battery box to boat structure.
- A0217 – Determine method to secure engine start battery to boat structure.
