battery question...

finlander · Post by **finlander** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 11:36 pm

Uncapped the battery to check water levels after tonites trip, and saw 'white' under the 2nd cap. 1st one was normal. Dont know what the white was, but I did not see the grids below. Any ideas???? I went ahead and put it on the charger anyway. About a week ago I got some severe air time from boat wakes heading out to Lake MIchigan and that bow battery and box had jumped out of its hold area and was laying on its' side. It might have been that way for 20 minutes or so. Was this detrimental for it??

Steve Horton · Post by **Steve Horton** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:32 am

The way to really tell if the battery is OK is some sort of load test. Most battery places will do this for free or a very minimial charge. You can also purchase an inexpensive load tester but if you own several batteries it is worth it to get a smart charger which determines battery condition easily while charging.

Post by **Cyberlunge** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:48 am

Fin-
If the white was fuzzy and/or crystalline looking it is oxidation. This will result in a "dead cell" which will lower your battery function significantly. I agree with the load test suggestion. Make sure it is charged and then have it tested. What it does is put a high draw on the battery and then checks the voltage after that draw, if it is below a certain point (I think 10.6 volts) then the battery is no good. Continued use will harm components in your boat.

KK

finlander · Post by **finlander** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:18 am

I'll go out and look again. I read alot online about batteries AFTER I had bought this one last fall up north. I'll go through and read again to refresh. But I do know there is a place to look on those batteries on the shelf to see the manufacture date.