House batteries not up to ah rating
Bought 2 new Interstate SRM-24 group 24 RV/Marine batteries a few months ago. I have used the MH 4 times on trips lasting from 3-6 days. Never going below 40 amps before recharging. The rating is 85...
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Both batteries remain BADLY sulfated. They are useless unless you keep on...
CONTINUE equalization. Those chargers usually top out somewhere near to 17.0 volts at 120vac input. Grit your teeth and let voltage rise. The battery voltage should flatten out around 16.4 volts. From this point on cell TEMPERATURE needs to be monitored. Use your hand once per hour and when temperature approaches 120F stop the equalization for a few hours and let things cool-off. If any cell starts bubbling vigorously during the exercise or if you notice smoke-like vapor issuing from a cell, STOP! The battery is scrap.
I know it's hard to wait while the battery equalizes at 16+ volts but you have no choice. The only thing that's going to save those batteries is to continue equalization.
Note that a hydrometer draw that reveals smoky tinted or red tinted electrolyte means "End Game".
I have had the misfortune of having to do this procedure hundreds of times. Pick the Weak-Sister, cell, in each battery and use that cell as a guideon. Every cell has to reach 1.275
REMEMBER TO CORRECT HYDROMETER DRAWS FOR HIGHER TEMPERATURE. THIS IS ESSENTIAL.
CONTINUE equalization. Those chargers usually top out somewhere near to 17.0 volts at 120vac input. Grit your teeth and let voltage rise. The battery voltage should flatten out around 16.4 volts. From this point on cell TEMPERATURE needs to be monitored. Use your hand once per hour and when temperature approaches 120F stop the equalization for a few hours and let things cool-off. If any cell starts bubbling vigorously during the exercise or if you notice smoke-like vapor issuing from a cell, STOP! The battery is scrap.
I know it's hard to wait while the battery equalizes at 16+ volts but you have no choice. The only thing that's going to save those batteries is to continue equalization.
Note that a hydrometer draw that reveals smoky tinted or red tinted electrolyte means "End Game".
I have had the misfortune of having to do this procedure hundreds of times. Pick the Weak-Sister, cell, in each battery and use that cell as a guideon. Every cell has to reach 1.275
REMEMBER TO CORRECT HYDROMETER DRAWS FOR HIGHER TEMPERATURE. THIS IS ESSENTIAL.
