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M923A1 with 4 six volt

Tacitus

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New here, short version of me. Not a mechanic by profession but "shadetree" mechanic all my life. I do know when to stop and ask for help. I have the M923A1 and a M35A3C, W/W. Never owned 24 volt systems. The trucks are light/medium farm use only, haul block, rock, gravel, brush, etc. The 923 needs air brake can repair & not had time, so its been sitting and my fault I didn't run it some on my property to keep batteries charged. It has the four 6 volt Hawker batteries. The Deuce has two 12 volt. The 923 batteries will turn the engine slow, so I didn't try any more. What is the best way to boost the 923? Can I use a slave cable? Where can I buy one & approximate cost? Or can I boost using the Deuce and jumper cables? Any links as to how to connect the cables? Thanks to all in advance for the help.
 

Gunzy

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First, those are 4 12V batteries. If you have a 12V charger you can disconnect the batteries and charge them one at a time.
 

Crazyguyla

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Altus, OK
The batteries are 12 volt. They're hooked up in series for 24 volts, and parrallel for increased amps. The best thing is to unhook them and charge them individually with a 12 volt charger.
 

tennmogger

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Why does everyone always recommend disconnecting the batteries to charge them? That's a lot of effort and not necessary. A 12v charger across each of the 12v batteries in turn until they are all charged works fine with no issues with safety.

What am I missing?
 

98G

Former SSG
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If you have the time, charging each battery individually as mentioned above is optimal.

If you don't have the time or a slave cable, you can jump 24v to 24v using a normal jumper cable. The first positive post and the truck frames are what you should grab. This merits caution, as incorrect connection will send a whole bunch of electrical energy places you don't want it. Be sure to identify the first positive posts on each truck.
 

mechanicjim

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so you think they are 6 volt because that's what a MultiMeter said? or are they marked 6 volt? either way they are very low on charge and your best bet will be to put them on a battery charger and then see if you can load test each individually( once fully charged take them in your running truck to an auto parts store with a battery tester.) from there you can find out if any are worth it or not.
as to Tennmoggers question of why not to charge in situ is that as you charge one battery if its still hooked up to the dead ones you basically will have a live circuit, batteries gas as you charge them and when you go to take the cables off there is a chance of spark and that will light the battery gas and cause a fire. simply put if its worth doing, its worth doing right. the extra 10-20 mins to take the battery cables off is worth not having battery acid sprayed at your face.
 

98G

Former SSG
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I believe he thought they were six volt becausee there are 4 of them and it's a 24v system.

His deuce has a 24v system and has two 12v batteries, thus since there's four here in this 24v system they must be 6v.

Obviously he knows better now.
 

Tacitus

New member
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Virginia
98G, yes Sir, you are correct. Never delt with 24 volt, and since I've had the trucks, not had any need to boost either. And that's why I'm here. Thank you.
 

NDT

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I might add that the Hawker batteries are AGMs and are worth a small fortune, and can last over 10 years if cared for. See about getting a AGM charger/maintainer. If the batteries are severely discharged, only the AGM chargers can bring them back from the dead.
 

jonesal

Mission Specialist
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Why does everyone always recommend disconnecting the batteries to charge them? That's a lot of effort and not necessary. A 12v charger across each of the 12v batteries in turn until they are all charged works fine with no issues with safety.
What am I missing?
I hear ya. I caught myself disconnecting some the other day and my dog was turning his head from side to side. I agree, no need to disconnect.

Al Jones
M923
 

Gunzy

Well-known member
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I hear ya. I caught myself disconnecting some the other day and my dog was turning his head from side to side. I agree, no need to disconnect.

Al Jones
M923
If just one of the batteries is shorted inside or really bad your attempt to charge will not work an proper testing of batteries needs to be done with them unhooked to get true readings on the battery tested. But hey, do as you wish and continue to have problems and wondering why you can't solve an issue if that is what is fun for you. There is a right way to do things and then there are ways that don't work well, the choice is yours.
 

74M35A2

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Probably thought it is 6v battery because of 6 fill caps, common occurrence. But, each cell generates 2 volts.
 
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