"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...

Rather obviously, the battery would not accept additional voltage if it
was
"fully charged" at 12.6.


I think this sentence is the core of your confusion. You can apply any
voltage you want on the battery. "Equalization" or "Reconditioning" modes
of chargers often apply 17 volts, and the battery will rise to that
potential. It will also boil and melt if you leave it there too long.

Eisboch