Classic/Antique Car Repair/10 Volt Battery

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Expert: - 4/12/2009


Question
The engine has an old 10 Volt system and battery. When charging the battery should I set the charger at 12 volt or 6 volt?  Also what amp level.  I know this is not specific to your area of expertise but I could not find anyone who was close.  Thought you might know.  Thanks

Answer
A battery charger usually puts out 2.33 volts per cell. that means that a charger for a 12 volt battery puts out 14 volts. A charger for a 6 volt system delivers about 7 volts. A charger for a 10 volt or 5 cell battery would deliver 11.5 volts. A 12 volt charger will over charge the 10 volt battery while a 6 volt charger will undercharge the battery. So neither will do the trick. Now, is this battery a lead acid battery like used in a car? Also do you have any idea what the battery capacity is and what is it's exact use? Let me know we might be able to work out something using a 12 volt charger and resistors.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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