6 volt battery charging
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
6 volt battery charging
My appologies up front if I am asking a question that has been asked a bazillion times. I searched a few pages and FAQ and did not see my question which is: What is the proper way to charge a 6 volt positve ground battery? I have read that you charge it just like any other battery, but with a 6 volt charger.
I also have read that you put the Negative charger cable on the Negative battery terminal and the positive charging cable to ground such as to the frame.
Please set me straight.
The background of the vehicle is: 1953 Panel, 50th aniversary additon, 21000 orginal miles, all orginal from water pumps to upholstery, un-molested except for a repaint, driven off the assembly line by my grandfather...as the story goes. Thanks again for the help.
I also have read that you put the Negative charger cable on the Negative battery terminal and the positive charging cable to ground such as to the frame.
Please set me straight.
The background of the vehicle is: 1953 Panel, 50th aniversary additon, 21000 orginal miles, all orginal from water pumps to upholstery, un-molested except for a repaint, driven off the assembly line by my grandfather...as the story goes. Thanks again for the help.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
Agreed ^^^. I currently have three Optima 6v batteries. Each one is attached to a Battery Tender Jr. to keep it charged whenever not in use. I simply attach the positive cable to the positive post and the negative cable to the negative post. I'm at about 6.3v at each battery.
If you don't have a good battery charger, I recommend getting the Battery Tender. Like I said, I have the Jr. model and it works great. I was able to buy three of them on Amazon for the price of two at the local retail store, plus I got free shipping.
If you don't have a good battery charger, I recommend getting the Battery Tender. Like I said, I have the Jr. model and it works great. I was able to buy three of them on Amazon for the price of two at the local retail store, plus I got free shipping.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Iused a battery tender until I replaced both of my regular 6-volt batteries. Since then, (3+ years) I have started both cars about every 2-3 weeks, and they are both starting fine. :-) Jag
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Thanks for the info! That clears it up for me.
You bring up another question and maybe another post but I will try it here...This truck sits for months at a time, if not a year sometimes, in storage. I read once in Hot Rod or somewhere that there are head plugs that you can remove to pre-lub the cylinders prior to cranking after sitting for long periods. Is that true and/or are there other things we should do prior to this type of "cold start" that would help protect it?
You bring up another question and maybe another post but I will try it here...This truck sits for months at a time, if not a year sometimes, in storage. I read once in Hot Rod or somewhere that there are head plugs that you can remove to pre-lub the cylinders prior to cranking after sitting for long periods. Is that true and/or are there other things we should do prior to this type of "cold start" that would help protect it?
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
Simple thing to remember is, you're charging the battery. + to +, - to -. And there is not really any reason to disconnect the battery to charge it. Sounds like a great truck..
I would be more concern with the ethanol laced fuel of today and the deterioration to the fuel system. I would run stabel or other fuel conditioner in the fuel tank. The Echo brand 2 cycle oil that I use in my chainsaw and other two cycle equipment has lubricant and fuel stabilizer in it. I think I might look into something like that in the fuel. Not much trouble to pull the spark plugs on the flathead and pour a bit of oil in prior to starting.
I would be more concern with the ethanol laced fuel of today and the deterioration to the fuel system. I would run stabel or other fuel conditioner in the fuel tank. The Echo brand 2 cycle oil that I use in my chainsaw and other two cycle equipment has lubricant and fuel stabilizer in it. I think I might look into something like that in the fuel. Not much trouble to pull the spark plugs on the flathead and pour a bit of oil in prior to starting.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Probably overthinking it but the "Positive Ground" concept I was unsure off and did not want to blow up the battery. Thanks again.
The truck belongs to my uncle who lives on the West coast. He usually drives it when he comes back to Illinois. A little gas in the carb, choke and few cranks it starts every time. It was used as a flower truck for my grandfathers Funeral Home so it saw little trips here and there and has been kept inside most of it's life. Very little rust on frame and zero on body. I grew as a kid pretending to drive it by pumping the clutch which made a squeak sound.
I am in the diesels right now, but would love to own this truck. Maybe some day. In couple of weekends I will be where the truck is and I can take some pics and post them. It really is the definition of a barn find, except it has always been found. LOL
The truck belongs to my uncle who lives on the West coast. He usually drives it when he comes back to Illinois. A little gas in the carb, choke and few cranks it starts every time. It was used as a flower truck for my grandfathers Funeral Home so it saw little trips here and there and has been kept inside most of it's life. Very little rust on frame and zero on body. I grew as a kid pretending to drive it by pumping the clutch which made a squeak sound.
I am in the diesels right now, but would love to own this truck. Maybe some day. In couple of weekends I will be where the truck is and I can take some pics and post them. It really is the definition of a barn find, except it has always been found. LOL
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
I believe that you are talking about removing the spark plugs to pre lube the cylinders. I have heard of people doing that for engines that have been setting for years, but not engines in running condition inside out of the rain.
Is it possible to go out and start the engine every once in a while? Jag
Is it possible to go out and start the engine every once in a while? Jag
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
I believe that you are talking about removing the spark plugs to pre lube the cylinders. I have heard of people doing that for engines that have been setting for years, but not engines in running condition inside out of the rain.
Is it possible to go out and start the engine every once in a while? Jag
Is it possible to go out and start the engine every once in a while? Jag
Long story short, yes, it will now be started at least monthly. So it should really not be an issue going forward. I will start it like we always do.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Simple thing to remember is, you're charging the battery. + to +, - to -. And there is not really any reason to disconnect the battery to charge it. Sounds like a great truck..
I would be more concern with the ethanol laced fuel of today and the deterioration to the fuel system. I would run stabel or other fuel conditioner in the fuel tank. The Echo brand 2 cycle oil that I use in my chainsaw and other two cycle equipment has lubricant and fuel stabilizer in it. I think I might look into something like that in the fuel. Not much trouble to pull the spark plugs on the flathead and pour a bit of oil in prior to starting.
I would be more concern with the ethanol laced fuel of today and the deterioration to the fuel system. I would run stabel or other fuel conditioner in the fuel tank. The Echo brand 2 cycle oil that I use in my chainsaw and other two cycle equipment has lubricant and fuel stabilizer in it. I think I might look into something like that in the fuel. Not much trouble to pull the spark plugs on the flathead and pour a bit of oil in prior to starting.
Thanks for that info also. Do you run a "lead" additive also?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: southern MN
If the truck has been sitting for a week or more i'll "pre-lube" the motor by pushing the starter button with the ignition switch off, letting it crank over a few times. gets oil circulated, and pumped up into the valve train and such. after a few cranks, turn the key to ON and off we go. Doin that you might even get to avoid the gas down the carb bit as the fuel pump will be filling the carb's float bowl
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
No, I do not run lead additive. None of my old Fords except one tractor works very hard. Side note, I start and bring to operating temperature every piece of internal combustion engined piece of equipment at least monthly.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Agreed ^^^. I currently have three Optima 6v batteries. Each one is attached to a Battery Tender Jr. to keep it charged whenever not in use. I simply attach the positive cable to the positive post and the negative cable to the negative post. I'm at about 6.3v at each battery.
If you don't have a good battery charger, I recommend getting the Battery Tender. Like I said, I have the Jr. model and it works great. I was able to buy three of them on Amazon for the price of two at the local retail store, plus I got free shipping.
If you don't have a good battery charger, I recommend getting the Battery Tender. Like I said, I have the Jr. model and it works great. I was able to buy three of them on Amazon for the price of two at the local retail store, plus I got free shipping.
Amazon.com: Battery Tender 021-0123 Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger: Automotive
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
I bought the 6v version. Amazon.com: Deltran 021-0127 Battery Tender Junior 6-Volt .75 Amp Charger: Automotive. It's about $23 now.
