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12-09-2018, 13:35
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Eastern Mediterranean
Boat: 1976 Tradewind 34
Posts: 313
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I messed up, batteries dry
When I purchased these sportsman 90A deep cycle batteries, I failed to check if they needed any servicing and figured that they were sealed. I use 2 x 90A on my boat for the house and have a 400W solar system hookedup to them.
Fast forward 2 years in the Mediterranean sun and absolutely no maintenance later, two days ago I realized how badly I messed up. My solar charge controller turned off and I decidedto take the batteries out to check them. They are pretty light! All the liquid inside is gone!
Before I take it to a battery shop, wanted to get opinions here. Are they doorstops or salvageable? What should be my decision criteria?
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12-09-2018, 13:52
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#2
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֍֎֍֎֍֎֍֎֍֎
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 15,136
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Usually worth $5 each as a "core charge" or return credit where you buy the new ones.
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12-09-2018, 13:58
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Currently cruising in SE Asia
Boat: Catana 47 hull no 1 ex Leopard 40 (2009) & Crownline 250CR
Posts: 383
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Fill them up with sulphuric acid charge them and then do a load test ! Miracles sometimes exist
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12-09-2018, 14:08
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#4
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cruiser
Join Date: Jan 2017
Boat: Retired from CF
Posts: 13,317
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
A miracle would only delay the inevitable, replace.
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12-09-2018, 14:11
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeFergie
Fill them up with sulphuric acid charge them and then do a load test ! Miracles sometimes exist
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The acid is still in the batteries. And adding more won’t help. Batteries are toast.
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12-09-2018, 14:15
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#6
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Writing Full-Time Since 2014
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Deale, MD
Boat: PDQ Altair, 32/34
Posts: 9,601
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
I wouldn't have pondered that for 1 minute. Replace.
A little low is one thing. Didn't check for two years, bone dry, and you're cruising? Replace at first marina.
And put a watering kit on the next set.
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13-09-2018, 08:21
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Atlanta, GA
Boat: Catalina 30
Posts: 664
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Caveat: We are on a lake, not cruising the blue.
When we bought our current boat the two batteries were VERY low on water. (Didn't turn them upside down to see, but could not detect water in most cells thru the ports.) They still could start the engine (Not sure how), so we filled them up with distilled water and let them charge for a while. Used them for another year before replacing them with sealed AGM batteries.
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13-09-2018, 08:30
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Southern California
Boat: Catalina 320
Posts: 1,314
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
I've added water or battery acid in the past and while you may be able to get them to accept a charge they won't hold it long and complete failure is eminent.
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13-09-2018, 08:52
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Florida
Boat: Scout 30
Posts: 3,112
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
This thread should really be about what's the best thing to replace them with.
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13-09-2018, 09:43
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: South Portland, Maine
Boat: Brewer 12.8
Posts: 12
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Replace them with firefly batteries
There costly but worth it
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13-09-2018, 09:56
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 289
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Just replace them, once dry, they're doomed to fail and most likely when you need them the most.
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13-09-2018, 10:14
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,409
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Dump some water in them and charge them you have nothing to lose
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13-09-2018, 10:16
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FLORIDA
Boat: Alden 50, Sarasota, Florida
Posts: 3,470
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Quote:
Originally Posted by hd002e
When I purchased these sportsman 90A deep cycle batteries, I failed to check if they needed any servicing and figured that they were sealed. I use 2 x 90A on my boat for the house and have a 400W solar system hookedup to them.
Fast forward 2 years in the Mediterranean sun and absolutely no maintenance later, two days ago I realized how badly I messed up. My solar charge controller turned off and I decidedto take the batteries out to check them. They are pretty light! All the liquid inside is gone!
Before I take it to a battery shop, wanted to get opinions here. Are they doorstops or salvageable? What should be my decision criteria?
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At best, their capacity would be reduced to the point of unreliability. A load test will show how badly. People guessing here won't...
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13-09-2018, 10:27
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 361
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
Don't mess with them. Adding acid is way wrong! Adding water and trying to charge could cause a very bad reaction. An eye or two is something to lose.
I'm sure you can find some batteries with more amp hour capacity and be very happy.
If you want maintenance-free chose AGM, or more money, Gel.
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13-09-2018, 10:58
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SC
Boat: None,build the one shown of glass, had many from 6' to 48'.
Posts: 10,208
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Re: I messed up, batteries dry
I believe you should hunt down the cause prior to spending new money after bad.
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