water in batteries boiling
I went to check the batteries in the MH two 6 volt and when I removed the filler caps noticed the water was bubbling (boiling) what causes this and what do I need to do??
Thank you
Thank you
Forum Discussion
9 Replies
pappaone wrote:
I went to check the batteries in the MH two 6 volt and when I removed the filler caps noticed the water was bubbling (boiling) what causes this and what do I need to do??
Thank you
Don't know how long you've had the coach or of it's history, concerning the Inverter or Converter charger and must assume you have been connected to shore power for this to have occured.
In most cases a good modern charger of said properties will do an excellent job of floating and trickling, so as not to cause any undo charging. It could be that the batteries are bad or you were or are using them a lot and asking for this high charging current from the charger. Are you sure there's nothing turned on, that shouldn't be, like the fridge running off the inverter, perhaps and just for example?
Taking the batteries to Sam's is probably a waste of time and after all else fails, you might just disconnect them and see how long they stay up. Then hook them up again and compare the voltage while not connected to shore power and then with them connected.- Pick up a battery hydrometer at any auto parts house. Less than $10 and a good check for wet cell batteries.
- oops forgot about the converter, going to the store will check batteries when I return. Thanks again for all the info.
rich Canadian Rainbirds wrote:
2oldman wrote:
You need a voltmeter. Standard equipment for any electrical issues. Let the battery sit for a half-hour with no loads, then check its voltage.
YES!
And a hydrometer to check the Specific Gravity in each cell. Fully charged it (S.G.) should be about 1.275. If one is a lot lower is could be the dead cell OR it might recover somewhat from an equalizing charge.
First check the voltage after disconnectinG at least the negative lead. Wait AT LEAST half an hour, up to a day or two and check the voltage with a digital multimeter. While you are out buying the multimeter, buy a hydrometer. Neither are expensive and will be paid for by NOT ruining another battery.
I suspect that there is a converter that is charging the batteries. One small panel won't do much of anything except allow the salesman the point out that it has solar charging.
Please take the time and effort to learn a little about battery care, (Most of us are still learning, even after we thought we knew everything! Se my recent posts. :S )
Please also keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask questions as they come up.2oldman wrote:
You need a voltmeter. Standard equipment for any electrical issues. Let the battery sit for a half-hour with no loads, then check its voltage.
And a hydrometer to check the Specific Gravity in each cell. Fully charged it (S.G.) should be about 1.275. If one is a lot lower is could be the dead cell OR it might recover somewhat from an equalizing charge.
First check the voltage after disconnection at least the negative lead. Wait AT LEAST half an hour, up to a day or two and check the voltage with a digital multimeter. While you are out buying the multimeter, buy a hydrometer. Neither are expensive and will be paid for by ruining another battery.
I suspect that there is a converter that is charging the batteries. One small panel won't do much of anything except allow the salesman the point out that it has solar charging.
Please take the time and effort to learn a little about battery care, (Most of us are still learning, even after we thought we knew everything!)
Please also keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask questions as they come up.- You need a voltmeter. Standard equipment for any electrical issues. Let the battery sit for a half-hour with no loads, then check its voltage.
pappaone wrote:
That's it? No controller? How small?
the only charger I have is the small roof solar panel. - control panel battery check reads 13.5 for both the house batteries and the chassis battery. the only charger I have is the small roof solar panel. I will have to take the house batteries into Sams club and have the check for a bad cell. Thanks for the replies.
Rich - Yes, it COULD be overcharging. Check voltage. Float level (after the batteries fully charged should be 13.2-13.5 VDC).
OR
It could be a bad cell on a battery.
A perfectly good charger putting out 13.2 VDC into a battery with a dead cell (i.e. a 10 VDC battery)WILL BOIL THE BATTERY. - Overcharging. Stop charging.
