batteries dry

[cdat]

On my coach, (91 Newell), I have two chassis batteries, one is an Interstate that is less then a year old, the other is an interstate that appears to be quite a bit older, although I am unable to read the date. When I checked it, the battery was completely dry, no idea how long it has been like that. I'm guessing the battery is ruined, or should I just fill with water?

John

[MrE]

I would fill it with distilled water just for S&Gs, certainly less money for the water and who knows?

[Newellin Thunder]

Sorry to say that the chances are your batteries are ruined. It is possible to refill and cover exposed plates and then recharge. However, much depends on how much and for how long the plates were exposed. The problem being that the portion of the plates exposed can be damaged, resulting in a battery of the same Voltage but reduced capacity (in effect there is less plate area available for use). Once the damage is done there is no way to reverse it. Worst case the plates can short out, effectively remove them completely from the battery's capacity. If they aren't performing like they should, they're probably beyond hope.

Check the specific gravity in each cell. Look for low and inconsistent readings. If you find that you can try an equalization charge to try and bring low cells back to normal. That's about all you can do.

[The Newell]

I would fill it with distilled water just for S&Gs, certainly less money for the water and who knows?

Jon is right it's definitely worth a shot. Even though your outcome will most likely not change.

This isn't a case of sulphation, it's a case of accidentally exposing the plates to air. A different monster of the same ilk; it still eats batteries.

Trying to restore damaged batteries, no matter what the cause, is usually hopeless. You may be able to reduce plate sulphation, but you can't eliminate it. Nor can you reverse plate erosion or other internal mechanical damage.

After any such efforts, no matter how successful, you will still have a "suspect" battery that could fail at any moment.

Joseph

[cdat]

That's kind of what I figured, I did fill them, will put a charge on them later, but I'm expecting to have to replace the batteries.
Thanks for the info.

John

[ccjohnson]

If they don't hold charge, try for a warranty replacement. Interstate dealers are usually VERY good on warranty replacement.

[cdat]

Will I need to replace both in order too keep them matched?

[Neweller]

John, that is always recommended. There should always be caution when matching up age variations of batteries. When they are connected in a bank, they will behave as a single unit. When having old and new batteries hooked to one another usually causes an unbalanced battery bank. Yes, it will technically work but there will be an unevenness which will generally cause an premature failure of the newer batteries and probably the whole entire bank.

If replacing a whole bank you have to ask yourself what type you will replace the with. If you are staying with the same type like 8D wet cells and they are Interstate, you might get a better trade-in through them. I have had Interstate give me either a standard core trade-in or up to double the core on a newer battery that they can recondition and sell for a profit. If you don't mind advertising and selling your older batteries, you can always try selling them on Craigslist.org. People will buy them for there equipment and so forth. Just a thought on offsetting the money. A lot of battery dealers charge a core whether you are buying a used, reconditioned or new battery.

[NewellCrazy]

Hi John,

I agree with Ken replace your battery bank with new batteries. I am posting a link to Lifeline AGM's if your interested.

Sean


3430

Link: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029XJ1UQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0029XJ1UQ&linkCode=as2&tag=affiliatechie-20">Marine Lifeline AGM Battery - GPL-8DL</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=affiliatechie-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0029XJ1UQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

Product Features



Expected Cycle Life 1,100 cycles to 50% DOD
500 cycles to 100% DOD
Maintenance Free
Fastest Recharge, Lowest Discharge Rates
User Safe (sealed construction, non-spillable, submersible)