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[justplainjim]

I just replaced my old battery with a Big Crank ETX-30L, 400 CCA from Battery Mart.  I also purchased a new CTEK maintainer.  The instructions show three charging modes.
1. Shows a motorcycle icon with a charging mode of 14.4V/0.8A.
2. Shows a car icon but says it's the normal setting for wet, maintenance free and for most gel batteries.  But it also states that some gel batteries prefer a slightly lower voltage.  The charging mode for this setting is 14.4V/3.3A.
The third mode setting is for below 41 degrees F and for many AGM batteries like the Optima, Maxxima, and Odysses.  The charging rate is 14.7V/3.3A.
I'm thinking #2 might be the correct setting but I'm not sure.  I'd appreciate any help.
Thanks..

[phato1]

I would go with number 1 as the other modes will put to many AMPS to the battery during the "float" or maintenance stage, the 0.8 - 0.3 Amps applied in the  small battery setting -- the motorcycle icon -- is plenty to maintain the bikes battery.  The 5 Amps applied in the other settings may cause overheating of the battery that could result in physical damage to the battery like a leak, or damage the battery internally.

edit: the 5 Amps would be ok to quick charge a weak battery but not for long term float/maintenance charging.

[grc]

The 14.4 volt choices are appropriate for the Harley AGM battery, so you could use either #1 or #2.  If you're only using it to maintain the battery charge, not actually charge it from a low state of charge, #1 is fine and is similar in amperage to a Battery Tender Junior model.  #2 would be appropriate if you wanted to actually charge a partially discharged battery (I think #2 is rated at 3.3 amps max, whereas #1 is 0.8 amps max, at least on the model I checked out).

The current ratings just reflect the maximum current applied initially.  As the battery charges and the voltage increases to 14.4V, the current is automatically reduced to maintain the 14.4V until the battery is fully charged.  When the charger senses the battery is fully charged it automatically enters the "maintainer" mode.  So the higher max amp rating doesn't mean it always charges at the higher current, it just means it starts the process at the higher current. 

To make a long story short, either #1 or #2 will be fine for a 28-30 Ah Harley battery.

Jerry

[justplainjim]

Thanks Guys...