Bad Interstate battery
I had a two month old Interstate battery boil out one cell. Noticed the sulfur smell. I contacted the manufacturer (Grand Design). They won't cover under warranty because the dealer apparently puts t...
Forum Discussion
Interstate Batteries wrote:
HOW AND WHY MIGHT A BATTERY LOSE WATER?
A conventional flooded battery will experience water loss as a normal condition when the battery is being charged...Conventional deep-cycle batteries do require regular watering to keep them working properly. Check water levels every 4-6 weeks...New batteries and well used batteries tend to use more water.
Trojan Battery Company wrote:
Can I reduce my maintenance by not gassing my flooded batteries?
You will reduce the frequency of watering, but will cause a condition known as stratification where the specific gravity of the electrolyte is light at the top of the battery and heavy at the bottom. This condition results in poor performance and reduced battery life.
Is it normal for my flooded batteries to lose water?
It is completely normal for flooded batteries to lose water. They lose water because of the gassing that they go through with every charge. Gassing is an important part of the recharge process. The gassing allows the electrolyte to mix well and helps the battery get back to a fully charged state at the end of the charge process. Unfortunately, the gassing also causes water to be lost. The addition of water should be only be done once the batteries are fully charged as the electrolyte levels vary as a function of state of charge and are highest once the batteries are fully charged. The correct electrolyte level is about 1/8th of an inch below the bottom of the vent well. Please use distilled water only.
When should I water my flooded batteries?
Water is lost during the charging of flooded batteries. The best time to water your batteries is always at the end of the charge cycle however, if the plates are exposed to air, add just enough water to cover the plates before starting the charge cycle. When the charging process is complete, re-check the electrolyte and top off as needed.
How often should I water my flooded batteries?
It is best to check your new batteries regularly as this will give you a good feel for how often your application will require battery watering. WARNING: A brand new battery may have a low electrolyte level. Charge the battery first and then add water if needed. Adding water to a battery before charging may result in overflow of the electrolyte.
Now, we'll hear from someone about why they know more than the manufacturers, and how professional advice is just plain wrong.
