Ahh.. 14.4V is the NOMINAL voltage for a 4-cell LiFePo4.

No, 14.4V (3.6V x 4) is the recommended charger cut off voltage for 4s LiFe,
nominal voltage is 13.2V (3.3V x 4). If a good DVM reads 17V on a 4s LiFe
Pack you are overcharging the cells, probably using LiIo or LiPo settings on
your charger. Go to http://www.a123systems.com/a123/products , choose
"download specs" and check yourself in the data sheet.

If you are really overcharging a 4s LiFe to 17V at least you demonstrated
why it is MUCH better to use LiFe than LiPo ;-)

Michael