Bubbling Batteries

resqguy · 08-01-2009, 02:47 PM

I'm having a problem with the batteries in my cart. When I got the cart I notice that electrolyte would accumulate on top of the batteries. I would wipe it off with a paper towel thinking it would eventually stop.

I finally did some research and discovered the batteries will over filled. I went through and removed electrolyte until the level was about 1/4 in above the plates. I took about a cup of electrolyte from each battery.

Thinking that I had solved the problem I check again today and there is still evidence of boiling up. The batteries are at rest during this time, they are not being charged.

Since the cart is new to me I wonder if the dealer did something to the batteries in an attempt to prolong their life. The batteries are 2004 Trogans and I was hoping to get one more season before I replace.

I'm not detecting any major parasitic load since the batteries will hold their charge for months.

Any ideas on why the batteries seem to be boiling?

scottyb · 08-01-2009, 03:45 PM

To determine the condition of your batteries take individual voltage readings and hydrometer readings and post them here for batteries #1 - 6. Lead acid batteries should not sit for months between charging even when just partially drained?

resqguy · 08-02-2009, 11:38 AM

My last full charge was on June 6. I read that the batteries need to be down around 70% before charging to keep them "conditioned".

The readings are about what I expected:
Battery VDC Cell 1 Cell 2 Cell 3
1 6.16 1.23 1.22 1.21
2 6.35 1.24 1.23 1.22
3 6.14 1.23 1.25 1.25
4 6.09 1.24 1.24 1.21
5 6.13 1.20 1.24 1.24
6 6.09 1.22 1.23 1.24

Some of the cells had electrolyte that was stable, almost like water, and other cells's electrolyte was more like club soda but with larger bubbles.

hitmanharleyk · 08-02-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by resqguy

My last full charge was on June 6. I read that the batteries need to be down around 70% before charging to keep them "conditioned".

The readings are about what I expected:
Battery VDC Cell 1 Cell 2 Cell 3
1 6.16 1.23 1.22 1.21
2 6.35 1.24 1.23 1.22
3 6.14 1.23 1.25 1.25
4 6.09 1.24 1.24 1.21
5 6.13 1.20 1.24 1.24
6 6.09 1.22 1.23 1.24

Some of the cells had electrolyte that was stable, almost like water, and other cells's electrolyte was more like club soda but with larger bubbles.

You should charge your batteries the night after you have 15 plus minutes of pedal time and to extend the life of your batteries, it is recommended that you don't let them go below 70%.

Charge your batteries and then let the cart sit for a hour or so, then check your voltage and post those numbers.

resqguy · 08-03-2009, 06:08 PM

After charging and a few hours rest:

Bat VDC C1 C2 C3
1 6.29 1.26 1.25 1.24
2 6.33 1.27 1.27 1.25
3 6.32 1.25 1.26 1.24
4 6.26 1.23 1.25 1.24
5 6.30 1.25 1.26 1.25
6 6.27 1.24 1.23 1.23

The total VDC is 37.95.

Will a low charge cause the original issue of batteries bubbling?

hitmanharleyk · 08-03-2009, 07:34 PM

Your best batteries (#2, #3, #5) are only taking a 90% charge, the other 3 (#1, #4, #6) are only taking 80% of a full charge. Your specific gravity readings also show the same. Looks like they are on the way out, better budget for some more. How long do they hold a charge when using the cart ?

I've read where some folks think dying batteries bubble and I guess the previous owner might have tried to extend their life by using one of the "treatments" you see all over the net, I guess this could also cause some bubbling.

Do yourself a favor and spend the extra for Trojans when you buy, they'll end up being cheaper in the long run if you take care of them.

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08-01-2009, 02:47 PM	#1
resqguy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 18	Bubbling Batteries I'm having a problem with the batteries in my cart. When I got the cart I notice that electrolyte would accumulate on top of the batteries. I would wipe it off with a paper towel thinking it would eventually stop. I finally did some research and discovered the batteries will over filled. I went through and removed electrolyte until the level was about 1/4 in above the plates. I took about a cup of electrolyte from each battery. Thinking that I had solved the problem I check again today and there is still evidence of boiling up. The batteries are at rest during this time, they are not being charged. Since the cart is new to me I wonder if the dealer did something to the batteries in an attempt to prolong their life. The batteries are 2004 Trogans and I was hoping to get one more season before I replace. I'm not detecting any major parasitic load since the batteries will hold their charge for months. Any ideas on why the batteries seem to be boiling?

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08-01-2009, 03:45 PM	#2
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,410	Re: Bubbling Batteries To determine the condition of your batteries take individual voltage readings and hydrometer readings and post them here for batteries #1 - 6. Lead acid batteries should not sit for months between charging even when just partially drained?

08-02-2009, 11:38 AM	#3
resqguy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 18	Re: Bubbling Batteries My last full charge was on June 6. I read that the batteries need to be down around 70% before charging to keep them "conditioned". The readings are about what I expected: Battery VDC Cell 1 Cell 2 Cell 3 1 6.16 1.23 1.22 1.21 2 6.35 1.24 1.23 1.22 3 6.14 1.23 1.25 1.25 4 6.09 1.24 1.24 1.21 5 6.13 1.20 1.24 1.24 6 6.09 1.22 1.23 1.24 Some of the cells had electrolyte that was stable, almost like water, and other cells's electrolyte was more like club soda but with larger bubbles.

08-03-2009, 06:08 PM	#5
resqguy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 18	Re: Bubbling Batteries After charging and a few hours rest: Bat VDC C1 C2 C3 1 6.29 1.26 1.25 1.24 2 6.33 1.27 1.27 1.25 3 6.32 1.25 1.26 1.24 4 6.26 1.23 1.25 1.24 5 6.30 1.25 1.26 1.25 6 6.27 1.24 1.23 1.23 The total VDC is 37.95. Will a low charge cause the original issue of batteries bubbling?

08-03-2009, 07:34 PM	#6
hitmanharleyk Gone Wild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southwest Georgia Posts: 610	Re: Bubbling Batteries Your best batteries (#2, #3, #5) are only taking a 90% charge, the other 3 (#1, #4, #6) are only taking 80% of a full charge. Your specific gravity readings also show the same. Looks like they are on the way out, better budget for some more. How long do they hold a charge when using the cart ? I've read where some folks think dying batteries bubble and I guess the previous owner might have tried to extend their life by using one of the "treatments" you see all over the net, I guess this could also cause some bubbling. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra for Trojans when you buy, they'll end up being cheaper in the long run if you take care of them.