Trojan T-875 battery question

Down South

The cart that's in my Sig has Trojan T-875 batteries date L4 "12/2014". The cart was refirbed by CC in 2015 so the batteries went in the cart in 2015.
I purchased the cart a few months ago from someone else.

Now getting to my problem and question.
The two driver side batteries will not get to 100% charge. I have tried to equalize them several times.
The SG on all cells of these two batteries are approximately the same at 1.230-1.240.
All cells degas when in equalize charge.
I'm wondering if it would be worth the expense and effort to dump the battery acid in these two batteries and refill with new acid?
If so, does anyone know the fluid capacity of a T-875.
I can pick up a 1.5 Gal container from Grainger for $37.

BGW

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Sergio

Those two batteries having less capacity is usually an indication of a 16v tap, if that is the case that load needs to be removed.

The only time electrolyte should be added is on a new battery that is shipped dry.

It is not recommended to add additional electrolyte since You don't know if additional active material in the plates has not reacted back to the existing electrolyte.

You may end up with a corrosive (high sulfuric acid concentration) mixture that will shorten the battery's life.

Down South

The rest of the story...
There is no power tap on these two batteries.
The power tap is on the other four batteries, I assume a standard CC power tap for accessories. The cart has a light kit W/ brake, turn signals & horn plus a stereo all hooked to a voltage reducer under the front passenger side.

Now my assumption.....
Whoever had this cart before me knew nothing about battery maintenance as many cart owners don't.
Since the other four batteries were used for Aux power, the two batteries in question were never discharged as much as the other four under use.
When charging, these two batteries would wind up being over charged to bring pack voltage back up.
I'm wondering if they were over charged and refilled with whatever type of water to the point they boiled over to the point the acid solution has been reduced.
These two batteries appear to have all cells alive "Maybe sulfated?"
My question is, would it be a good idea to pull the two batteries, dump all the acid and refill with new acid to make sure the ratio is correct?

mrgolf

If you plan to remove and refill the acid in a battery. There are things you need to know. Not all of which I remember which is why I would say don't try it. One is if you pour acid into water that is very very dangerous. Always pour water into the acid. To neutralize battery acid it is the proper mixture of muric acid bleach and water, I don't remember the mixtures. Safety equipment and clothing, too much for and old fart to remember. New batteries are a lot cheaper than you life or the medical bills, or epa fines if they catch you.

Night life

When Sergio says "No", my recommendation is too listen. He is the man when it comes to anything electric related.

Sergio

Down South, Are you sure you are using a 32v->12v reducer (4 batteries)?

The OEM solution was to use the first 2 batteries, which are the pack negative and the next battery right beside it.

As the battery charges and discharges the amount of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte varies as it reacts with the lead plates and changes chemical structure.

If You add new electrolyte and there is still chemical elements that will react back into sulfuric acid, the concentration will get stronger and the sulfuric acid being heavier will start to sink to the bottom of the cells where it will erode the plates.

You always add acid to water, so You start with a very diluted non reactive mixture.

You need an alkaline (base) chemical to neutralized acid, the mixture is 1 cup baking soda to 1 gallon water (warm water works better at cleaning the batteries).

Down South

The Cart was upgraded at a dealer. I assume that is where the 32V converter was installed.
I will replace this sometime in the near future with a 48V converter connecting the Neg to the B- terminal on the controller.
Before I finish this cart, Scotty will be inviting me over for beer in the afternoons and to eat BBQ on the weekends with the family.

I hate to assume things. Assuming can get me in a lot of trouble at work. But, assuming is the only option that I have with many things on this cart.

I'm gonna start a new thread on cart speed in a few minutes.

I know this two yr old battery pack is not healthy. I will change the pack but I wanted to milk the last of what I have left of this pack before spending the bucks.
I "Assumed" that my idea of dumping the acid and filling with fresh might not be correct.

mrgolf

See I told you I didn't remember everything good. Acid to water not water to acid. We used to make our own battery electrolyte. 50 plus years ago.

yawood

As an ex science teacher I can say with some authority that Sergio is right and you always add acid to water (the rule is A to W as in the alphabet). Mixing the two produces heat and adding water to concentrated acid produces enough heat to boil the mixture, with the danger of boiling over the container.

Adding distilled water to a battery is OK because the acid in the battery is diluted (not concentrate) and the top-up process only adds a small amount of water.

REDSLED