So the battery for my LX-7 is showing signs of failing, which 3 plus seasons on it. The first time I used it this season a couple days ago (I didn't charge it up before hand) it would just barely come on and when I did get it on it showed only 9 volts before shutting down again. (Its no fun to fish without it, believe me). So I took it home and tried charging it on the Marcum charger. After a few hours it showed 13+ volts when disconnected from the charger. Note that I rarely get the green light to come on with the Marcum charger). I set it up in the basement and let it run. It was down to 11 volts or so after an hour. So then I got out my brand new Battery Tender Junior, removed the battery from the case and tried charging with that (polarity correct, using the clamps, not the quick connect that came with the LX-7 wiring). After a few hours the light showed steady green, so I disconnected the quick connect and as I did I heard a faint pop and then fizzing/sizzling from the battery. Put the battery back on the lX-7 and ran it again, this time for about 4-5 hours. It was down to 11 volts or so but still running. It came up to 12 volts overnight without charging, but I charged it for a few hours again this morning (I didn't want to leave it on overnight). Again the green light came on steady, and again when I removed the quick connect there was a faint pop and some fizzing for a few seconds. Voltage with the unit connected back up shows about 13 v. I haven't tried the life test yet, waiting for a couple hours first.
Anyone else had this experience when charging SLA batteries? Time to order new? I'm not sure I can get one local but will try calling a couple shops before I order on line.
