MacGuyvering an auto battery equalization? Or not?

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softdown
softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,824 ✭✭✭✭
in In the Weeds--Member's Choice #1
I've got this car battery that sat for several unloved months with a "For Sale" sign pinned to its owners forlorn structure, a Ford Explorer. The battery suffered of course. The day after a 60 mile drive it only coughed up 12.2 volts at 40F. Amazingly, my decent battery tester said it is good - just needing a charge. 

I've got these Duracell 4 amp chargers that really charge a battery to 100%. While other chargers call it a day after achieving 12.7 volts, this little beast chugs until a battery shows 13 volts. That can take days on a 170 lb. battery that had showed 12.5 volts. 

This charger also has a "lithium" setting that employs higher voltage. 14.2 is what I "seemed" to measure today - at the battery terminals, not just the charger clamps. So I am trying this: After my car battery is up to ~12.8 volts I switched to "lithium" mode. I guess that will involve another day or two or three of sunlight hours charging. 

Clearly not a real equalization. But I think it might help a bit. 

Yes - I know it isn't a real equalization. I am hopeful that it will help some. 
First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,824 ✭✭✭✭
    edited December 2019 #2
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    Didn't seem to work out at all. Reset itself and showed only 12.3 volts. Though I had started the engine for diagnostics with OBD2 scanner and FORScan software. Was up to 13 yesterday - with no absorb cycle due to oncoming sunset.

    Motorcraft battery made by Johnson Controls of course. Made: 3/19 with 36 month warranty. I am interested in a warranty claim - what to do? Where to go? Dealership - I would think.
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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