AGM battery charger

66inVA said:

I just bought a TurboStart AGM battery that’s supposed to be like the original Autolite that came with the first gen mustangs.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Turbo+Start/903/S24F/10002/-1?gclid=CjwKCAiA2rOeBhAsEiwA2Pl7Q1DbrGMIN32ISWBTE2MFUiCMio5ybsin-MGAYwmnibPsqTBVEaFQFBoCX30QAvD_BwE

It states that the maximum charging voltage is 14.4 volts and it specifically says that max charging voltage should not exceed 14.4. I bought an X2 battery charger from BatteriesPlus that has an AGM mode and it charges at 14.7 volts. Am I going to damage this battery by using this charger? Seems like a trivial amount but I don’t know much about these things. Paid almost $400 for the battery and don’t want to damage it!

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You should be okay at 14.7vDC but NO HIGHER. Make sure your charger is a "constant voltage" charger that varies amperage by battery state-of-charge.

I've used a CETEK smart charger for years on all my batteries, regular and AGM, including my very expensive classic battery in my 67, works fine. It has a separate setting for AGM as well as a "reconditioning " mode.
CTEK - 40-206 MXS 5.0 Fully Automatic 4.3 amp Battery Charger and Maintainer 12V https://a.co/d/9DvsPNJ

66inVA said:

I just bought a TurboStart AGM battery that’s supposed to be like the original Autolite that came with the first gen mustangs.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Turbo+Start/903/S24F/10002/-1?gclid=CjwKCAiA2rOeBhAsEiwA2Pl7Q1DbrGMIN32ISWBTE2MFUiCMio5ybsin-MGAYwmnibPsqTBVEaFQFBoCX30QAvD_BwE

It states that the maximum charging voltage is 14.4 volts and it specifically says that max charging voltage should not exceed 14.4. I bought an X2 battery charger from BatteriesPlus that has an AGM mode and it charges at 14.7 volts. Am I going to damage this battery by using this charger? Seems like a trivial amount but I don’t know much about these things. Paid almost $400 for the battery and don’t want to damage it!

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From an AGM design standpoint, by not pumping too much voltage into the battery, you're trying to limit the heat
that goes along with that higher charging voltage. No flooded electrolyte in an AGM is the main reason.
14.65 was the number we used as the max at Douglas Battery, back in the day.

That CTEK charger seems like a better option. Correct 14.4 volts and automatic temperature sensing. The one I’ve been using says it can charge my battery in 10 hours, but I’ve left it on overnight and it still never reaches 100%. Took a spin up to AutoZone today and the battery was tested at 76%. That was after driving around for a good hour and a half. On my last stop, the car had a really hard time starting. Now I’m wondering if maybe my alternator is not charging properly. Do AGM batteries require a different alternator? I’m using a Bosch AL572X. Never had a problem before with my old interstate traditional battery and the Bosch alternator.

Charging system test.

Oh, one other thing. I installed a new voltage regulator. Turn signals blink about 1/2 speed and headlights are dim. Wondering if it’s not hooked up correctly or is defective somehow. The harness that slides onto the regulator used to clip in place but the new one doesn’t have that 🫤

I bought a Battery Tender 800 charger a few years back. It looks like the model I bought has been replaced by the Battery Tender Junior AGM. I also noticed the Battery Tenders now are a Deltron product, so they must have bought Battery Tender. The Battery Tender has worked without issue on my Odyssey AGM battery. However, I only use it to maintain the battery as it sits on the shelf waiting to be installed next year.

66inVA said:

Oh, one other thing. I installed a new voltage regulator. Turn signals blink about 1/2 speed and headlights are dim. Wondering if it’s not hooked up correctly or is defective somehow. The harness that slides onto the regulator used to clip in place but the new one doesn’t have that 🫤

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See post #7.
Is it an voltage electronic regulator? I never had much luck with those on my '66..... so it's an original contact point one on that car.
On my '68 I've got a good quality electronic regulator from NAPA and it's been a good situation for many years.

GT289 said:

See post #7.
Is it an voltage electronic regulator? I never had much luck with those on my '66..... so it's an original contact point one on that car.
On my '68 I've got a good quality electronic regulator from NAPA and it's been a good situation for many years.

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It is an electronic one, but so was the one I replaced it with. Looks to be an older one though. I think I’ll swap the old one back in and see how things go

Love my CTEK! I use it for all types. The reconditioning mode has also kept my lawn mower battery alive for the last 5 years without having to recharge mid-season like I had prior to having the reconditioning mode. I just give the lawn mower battery a recondition charge right before I install it for the season and it's good to go all season long. Had a sad day last year where I ran over it with my Mustang cause I had moved it for some reason and forgot... Immediately bought the same model again.

The only battery chargers I buy.... Battery Chargers Archives - Schumacher Electric

Woodchuck said:

The only battery chargers I buy.... Battery Chargers Archives - Schumacher Electric

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That's what I've also been using on my Autolite and Mopar repro look AGM batteries

Welp, hooked the old voltage regulator back up and blinkers work normally again and headlights are much brighter. Also noticed the tach is more accurate. Watch out for those shiny new VR’s from NPD
Took a spin up to AutoZone and had battery, alternator, starter and voltage regulator tested and everything passed. Battery tender never shows 100% charged even though the tester at AutoZone read 100%. Hope it isn’t trying to overcharge. I’ll probably try and return it and get that CTEK.
Thanks for everyone’s input!

A little late, but the NOCO Genius 10 charger is a very highly rated charger with specific settings for AGM batteries.

That’s what I have.