Wet cell battery question

[Denis]

What happens if all of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery has evaporated?? Is it salvageable if refilled and charged? Or should I start writing a check for replacement batteries?

 

[Ed Caro]

Evaporated?

I've never sseen a battery evaporate it's entire content. If the battery has been installed and in use on your boat it may indicate an over charging condition where the contents boil off. If the battery has been in storage it may indicate a case leak if the caps are installed. Any telltale stains around the battery?

 

[Denis]

Follow up...

Thanks, Ed, for your help!Let me explain the circumstances (which make it harder to understand)...Due to the purchase of a H336, I've had to keep the boat at a slip without shore power for the last 2 months. I checked electrolyte levels regularly until about 3-4 months ago and never noticed any excessive loss of electrolyte in any of the 3 batteries. I haven't tried to start the engine on the 29.5 since moving it to the new slip (until this weekend). All three batteries were completely empty of electrolyte. The only electrical draw was associated with the bilge pump (leaky packing gland), and the bilge was nearly full! Gassing shouldn't have occurred without shore power. There is no apparent leak. I have no idea how the fluid loss occurred. Are the batteries salvageable?Thank you, Denis

 

[Al Brito]

Not without a fight

I've had a similar situation where the battery was dry and dead. Refilled the cells with distilled water (important) and recharged - batteries held charge and are still working (about 8 months). Good luck.Al Britos/v Showtime

 

[Ed Caro]

Ditto Al

I have to ditto Al's response. You could try refilling the batteries with distilled water and then recharging. It's certainly a lot cheaper than going out and buying three new batteries and it just might work enough to get you thru the season. I still can't figure why all three would have no electrolite with no charger connected and the only load the bilge pump. Even if the bilge pump ran continously it would discharge the batteries but not evaporate the contents. What are of the country are you in? and does the daytime cabin temps climb above 110 degrees?Ed C

 

[Denis]

Follow up #2

Well, I did fill the batteries with distilled water and charged over night and the batteries did start the engine. I suspect the battery life has been reduced. The temperatures here get as high as 90 degrees. All battery vents were properly installed. Everyone I've asked is stumped as to where the electrolyte went...Thanks!

 

[kennard mcdaniel]

evaporated

if your batteries are mounted like mine, it is more likely you poured the electrolyte out on a tack sometime. the vents will allow this, i ended up replacing mine with the sealed AGM's.