Marine battery chargers

[96century]

Can marine battery chargers be repaired? I have a Guest 2631A on-board 3 bank charger, two of the 3 leads put out 13 vdc + during charging, but the 3rd lead on the RH side only puts out 9.6 vdc. I took a voltage measurement further up the lead suspecting possible wire damage or degradation, but no joy, same low voltage!!!
Any ideas? as to repairing or working around? I use them on a Minn Kota 36V trolling motor!
I presently have both good leads connected to the end batteries in hope that since they are wired in series that they will trickle charge the middle one up, even if at a slower rate. The lead that only puts out 9.6 vdc is disconnected. Those chargers are expensive!!!!!
Thanks,
Leo

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Marine battery chargers

I've yet to see one that could be repaired as they are sealed up very well.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Marine battery chargers

Have you tried the output you think is bad on another battery?
Could you just have a battery with a dead cell?

 

[96century]

Re: Marine battery chargers

Yes I did & actually got some sparking which I wasn't sure why at first, but shortly after realized it was drawing power out or so it appeared!!!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Marine battery chargers

Are you sure you had the red lead on the positive post?
With the battery charger off when hook up should get no spark unless hooked up backwards. If you do get a spark hooked up right with the charger off then you have a shorted output diode and I do not think they can be repaired the way most are sealed up.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Marine battery chargers

That charger is easy to check. Disconnect all the leads then measure the voltage at each lead. They should read around 13.4VDC. I'd have to find my manual to get the exact voltage.

 

[96century]

Re: Marine battery chargers

I got the sparking with the charger on!, In hind sight I reckon it was not a good idea, given the fact that charging batteries are gasing off during charge!!!
Live n learn!!!
So in summary the charger is down to 2 good charging leads, unless someone out there knows something else. I emailed Guest, a division of Marinco to see if they can offer me a possible solution short of buying a new one. It's out of its warranty period!