my GT3 battery finally gave up the ghost.

a good buddy has a bnew battery (sourced from Suncoast) still sealed in the packaging, but its been in storage for about 6 months.

Is this battery still ok? Or should I just get one from the dealer (a lot more expensive).

Also, the dealer told me today that before they install the new battery, they have to charge it for around 2 hours? I suppose that makes sense if they have these in storage?

Does that mean the one from my buddy-- assuming its still ok-- also needs an initial charge? How would i do that?

TIA guys!

 

If the battery is new and no acid was added then it should be ok and if acid is added I will not use it. Once you get a new battery and you are not in a hurry then add the acid put the battery on a peace of wood to isolate it from the ground and leave it to cool down once its cool or feels cool. Then you can add a low amp charger like a battery tender and once its full you can use it.

 

If the battery was filled with acid when your friend bought it, stay away. All lead-acid batteries have a self-discharge rate and the battery goes flat over time. When the battery is discharged, lead sulfate begins to form on the plates and CANNOT be removed. As the sulfate forms, the battery's capacity and life decreases, and quickly. Eventually, the battery dies completely.

Keeping the battery charged with a small 1-amp trickle charger for 30 minutes a day (use a cheap Wal-Mart timer) will keep the battery sulfate-free and fully charged for many years.

So, dry batteries can be stored for a year or so with no negative effects.
Wet batteries MUST be kept fully charged or they die a rapid death.

There are some premium batteries like the Optima that are highly resistant to lead sulphate formation, but they just die a slower death.

 

Good time to upgrade to the new GT3 Lithium-Ion Battery