DRY TROLLING BATTERIES!

[bgibson]

I guess I didn't check my deep cycle batteries water level in awhile... Today I pulled the cell covers off all 3 batteries in my 36 volt system and found water below the plates, Yikes! Anyway batteries are only a year in a half old so I am hoping that adding distilled water (almost a full gallon between 3 batteries) to each cell and charging it on my Minnkota PC440 charger will fix them up. My biggest question is, Should I set my charger to deep Equalization mode at this point? I have already completely charged the batteries and was wondering if now doing a equalization would be a good idea?

[Nova Kaw 650]

Does the charger have a de-sulfating cycle?
A gallon is a ton of water for three batteries. Don't be surprised if the batteries don't make it through a full day anymore.

[bgibson]

It has a DEEP EQUAILIZATION mode. And I ran it for 2 days back to back with the batteries dry (I didn't know at the time) and I had plenty of power. Not sure how they will be after adding water and charging. Here is for hoping!

[CatFan]

Your charger may have already been overcharging because of the low electrolyte. I'd pass on equalization unless a hydrometer test shows you need it.

[bgibson]

Your charger may have already been overcharging because of the low electrolyte. I'd pass on equalization unless a hydrometer test shows you need it.

Ok, sounds good. Hope they will be ok but I have my doubts!

[Ranger198700]

A gallon is a tooooooon of water.

just curious if your just filled to cover the plates and not to the top

[1bluemcm]

This is something I know I'm going to forget to check at some point.....just not in the habit of checking battery water levels at all with everything in the current vehicles maintenance free.

[bgibson]

A gallon is a tooooooon of water.

just curious if your just filled to cover the plates and not to the top

Yes just over the plates. But FYI there isn't much room over the plates, and for the record your supposed to fill about an 1/8" over the plates.

[Ranger198700]

Yea I've just send people fill to the top before

[billnorman1]

Yes just over the plates. But FYI there isn't much room over the plates, and for the record your supposed to fill about an 1/8" over the plates.

In my days of being a professional battery charger monitor (now there's something you need a degree for) 3/8" was the target depth above the plates. If you buy a service station filler it will automatically limit the amount. A gallon's a lot, but that went into 18 cells.

[bgibson]

In my days of being a professional battery charger monitor (now there's something you need a degree for) 3/8" was the target depth above the plates. If you buy a service station filler it will automatically limit the amount. A gallon's a lot, but that went into 18 cells.

Yes it was almost a gallon between all 3 batteries which would be 18 cells. Hope they will be ok. If not lesson learned the expensive way!