Are my lead acid batteries damaged?
The two lead acid batteries in my truck camper were down to 11.7 volts when I returned from a two months travel. The AC power to the camper went out (GFI tripped by the gardner) sometime during my ...
Forum Discussion
Without TESTING them, you'll need a gypsy and an Ouija board to determine if they have lost too much to bear the brunt of another trip. Who knows how much was "left" to begin with after 5 years of service before they endured a full-pack 20 mile forced march?
A hydrometer check will reveal any cloudiness, smoky color in the electrolyte after the batteries have been "fully recharged". That and acid density inequality.
Then a full load 1/2 of CCA rating discharge should be performed. If the voltage droops to 9.6 or below, that alone is enough to give them the last rites.
1. Electrolyte density
2. Electrolyte color and clarity
3. 1/2 CCA load test for 15 seconds.
A hydrometer check will reveal any cloudiness, smoky color in the electrolyte after the batteries have been "fully recharged". That and acid density inequality.
Then a full load 1/2 of CCA rating discharge should be performed. If the voltage droops to 9.6 or below, that alone is enough to give them the last rites.
1. Electrolyte density
2. Electrolyte color and clarity
3. 1/2 CCA load test for 15 seconds.
