Single-Point Watering System

[jantrree]

I had a previous Zone Electric Cart with a Flow Rite watering system for over a year. It worked flawlessly and yes I would occassionally take the manifolds off and check the water levels. It was a breeze to maintain proper water levels in the batteries. My current cart is a 2010 Club Car Precedent with the single point watering system and it works just as flawlessly as the Zone's. I usually check the water every two weeks. It sometimes doesnt need any. Occassionally it needs 3-5 squeezes of the bulb. I think I check the water levels more with the system because it is so easy to use. Just a humble newbie's opinion.

[simple man]

Originally Posted by erict

Any ideas on my above post?

I'm not sure of what actually causes the ignition, but when your water level is low that leaves all that much more volume for the gas to build up in. More volume = bigger bang!

I just looked up the ignition temperature of hydrogen and it's basically 932°F at full concentration. The more air it is mixed with lowers the ignition temperature! It can actually spontaneously ignite! Not good! Be careful around batteries, especially when charging or soon thereafter! :)

[erict]

Originally Posted by simple man

I'm not sure of what actually causes the ignition, but when your water level is low that leaves all that much more volume for the gas to build up in. More volume = bigger bang!

I guess my question would be, what happens to the plates if the water is below them? Does it cause the plates to heat up and fuse together which in turn causes a short?

[simple man]

Originally Posted by erict

I guess my question would be, what happens to the plates if the water is below them? Does it cause the plates to heat up and fuse together which in turn causes a short?

Interesting question which I can only guess at. I don't think the plates would heat up because if no electrolyte is there the chemical reaction to produce a current flow wouldn't be there either. It would only take place in the submerged part of the plates. I'm no expert on this and may be totally wrong! Lets see what others have to say about it.

[Juiceman]

Originally Posted by erict

I guess my question would be, what happens to the plates if the water is below them? Does it cause the plates to heat up and fuse together which in turn causes a short?

When the active material in the plates are exposed to air (no electrolyte to convert the material to energy) they become dead, dry-out, and useless. Positive plates will corrode quickly near the new water line (once below the tops of the plates). Then the remaining part of the plates immersed in electrolyte become over used. Over time, you will see decreased capacity/run time.

Deep cycle battery plates do not fuse together. The higher density electrolyte (remember no water has been added) will eventually cause shorts through the separators.

I cannot put a time frame on exposed plates and failures.