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16 Lifeline GPL-4C Batteries, replace 1 or all?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by UNLEASHED, Jul 10, 2013.

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  1. UNLEASHED, Jul 10, 2013
    #1
    UNLEASHED

    UNLEASHED New Member

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    I have 16 Lifeline GPL-4C batteries on my 2004 Viking 48 convertible. These are 6 volt AGM batteries. One battery is a problem and it is causing problems with the charging system, Believe the batteries are about 4 years old.

    Can I just replace the bad one or is necessary to replace all of them at the same time?? Bib $$$$ question.
  2. NYCAP123, Jul 10, 2013
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    four years old I'd replace all.
  3. Capt Ralph, Jul 10, 2013
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    ,punk

    You have to ask the question;
    Flooded batteries usually last 2 to 5 years, AGMs are suppose to last longer, say 4 to 6+ years. But your in a boat, anything can happen is this hard environment,
    ,, So, Do you feel lucky???

    If I had the bux, swap them all is smarter, and , go back to flooded wet cells. In my years on boats, AGMs have not proved them selves for the money, IMO..
    I love to sell them when specified, but with flooded (8) 8 volt 19", (2) 12 volt 8Ds, (4) 12 volt 31s on our ole Bert on over 4-5 (some over 7) year cycle per battery I can not see AGMs for us. I check all banks about twice a year. pour in them all about 2 gallons of distilled water. Clean some connections and wash the battery box wells. My batteries are happy. Yep, I feel lucky..

    Others may argue, but it's your bux.
    ,rc
  4. Capt Bill11, Jul 10, 2013
    #4
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    High quality wet cell deep cycle batteries properly maintained and recharged can last upwards of 10 years. Or more in some cases.

    As expensive as those Lifelines are, I'd be tempted to test the rest of the batteries and if they test good I'd just replace the one.
  5. Capt J, Jul 10, 2013
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Lifelines are supposed to go a long time, and have a 7 year warranty don't they? HOwever if one died, I'd be inclined to replace all of them, or at the very least the entire bank that the bad battery was on. As for someone saying AGM's go longer than lead acid, I have not seen that by much on most brands. I've replaced many AGMs that are 3 years old. Good gel batteries, on the other hand, I've seen go 7-10+ years many times.
  6. Pascal, Jul 11, 2013
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Same here, I haven't seen any significant difference in longevity between AGM and LA. AGM have other benefits but in many cases LA are a better option

    One out of 16? 1 d be tempted to replace just the bad one if all the others are good. If you get another year out of the bank it s worth the gamble of one battery Make sure the other 15 are good, no sign of bulging, staying cool, etc. also, take into consideration not just the age but the number of cycles and whether they have been deeply discharged one time too many.
  7. UNLEASHED, Jul 15, 2013
    #7
    UNLEASHED

    UNLEASHED New Member

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    Replace all 16

    Finally tracked down the company which installed the LifeLine batteries and it turns out it was July 05 at which time the boat was only one year old. I never would have guessed the batteries are 8 years old. The original owner had added a lot of electronics at the time and upgraded the batteries, added an inverter etc.

    So, I'm replacing all 16 which will also give me high confidence for my adventure to Central America.

    Thanks to all for the good input!!!!