PC680 batteries

alcladrv · #1 07-22-2019, 10:41 PM

After using my first PC680 in my RV-7A for about 5 years, I've only managed to get an average of 2 years for each of the next 5 batteries. I haven't used any battery tender or trickle charger. At the EnerSys (manufacturer of the PC680) booth at OSH, I discussed my experience by asking him if the the manufacturing process had changed. He said it had not and sounded genuinely interested in what he thought was my lackluster experience with the more recent batteries.

I gave him this forum website so he could checkout the PC680 comments himself. And I encourage any of you currently at Oshkosh to seek out the EnerSys booth in Hangar A 1042 and share your experience with him.

YellowJacket RV9 · #2 07-22-2019, 11:09 PM

I just replaced my original PC680 this past weekend after 3 years of flying. It had become very slow to crank. I typically fly 3-4 times / month, and don't leave it on a charger either. I'd consider 3 years pretty good for a battery that lives a pretty tough life. Will have to see how long this new one lasts...

Chris

billnaz · #3 07-22-2019, 11:20 PM

Call me a cynic, but I?m sticking with the theory that they down graded the design which was too good for their bottom line.

Bastien · #4 07-22-2019, 11:21 PM

Got my PC680 for 7 years now and only for a couple of weeks it is starting to show signs of weakness.
In the company I work for we also use PC680 to crank AEIO-580 and we average 4-5 years of lifetime. Most of the replacement are preventive rather than needed.

climberrn · #5 07-22-2019, 11:43 PM

Ran a PC680 for about a year. Started getting slow to crank. Switched to a lithium (yeah, I know!) and it has been flawless for 3 years and almost 400 hours.

Discus2b · #6 07-23-2019, 06:37 AM

What Lithium make and model did you go with?

R

Avengerboss · #7 07-23-2019, 07:01 AM

Just had the same issue on the RV14. Battery had a mfg date of 2016!! But was sent as new from VANs a year ago. Out of the box it was always asking for a higher charge (14.7 v) during all our runs/ flights. Then not even one year out of the box and only 12 hrs of flight in phase 1 , we went to fire up and got only clicking!!!!!
Another RV partner had two new ones he bought from battery mart that he wasn't going to be using.. Opened those boxes and both had a mfg date also of 2016!!! We used one and it's working great, charging is normal 14.1-2. It's been fine so far.
Checked the battery that came out of the 4. It was new also and had a mfg date of 2016!!!
Interesting ???

n816kc · #8 07-23-2019, 07:36 AM

first PC680 went 4 years, second went 3, and the last one failed at 10 months. charging system consistently at 14.1v. Will be looking hard at lithium options next time around.

Brantel · #9 07-23-2019, 08:02 AM

I killed a few early on but my last one was still going strong after 6 years when I proactively replaced it 2 weeks ago.

(Update 7/20/20: It died 07/18/2020......)

DaleB · #10 07-23-2019, 09:19 AM

Weird. I wonder what the difference is. Charging systems, usage pattern, or what? I seem to recall Vlad getting a ridiculously long life out of his. Mine's been in the RV-12 since 2010 or 2011. Every year we plan & budget to replace it, and every year after sitting for a week or two (or three) it measures 12.7 plus with no load, and never fails to crank. So, we just keep it in service for another year.

I bought the Genius charger that Van's sells. We don't connect it when the plane is not flying, I just use it once in a while if we've been running the EFIS or fuel pump on the ground and I think it may need topping off.

I have no doubt whatsoever that you guys' experiences are true, but I really do wonder what the deal is.