Boiling Batteries

[sowilliams]

First of all, Hey!, I haven't been on in quite a while. Anyway, I have a situation very similar to EvilSprit's Battery post but I didn't want to hijack it.
A friend of mine won a 36 volt ez-go about a year ago. He parked it and never did anything with it. Now he wants to sell it and asked me to help get it going. First check on the batteries was about 18 volts on the pack. I began by force charging two at a time until I could get the 36 volt charger to work. (pack at 35 volts) Now to my point... When the 36 volt charger started working the batteries started bubbling/boiling like crazy! Never have seen bubbling like this while charging. Is this normal?

[cgtech]

Yes, it's not boiling, it's electrolysis.

[LabRat]

Just a friendly reminder, Do this in a Well ventilated area, basically if i am correct , when charging, we convert water (H20) into Hydrogen & Oxygen gas, & in a Perfect Storm scenario, both gases can go BOOM!

[scottyb]

Yes they can - good call

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by LabRat

Just a friendly reminder, Do this in a Well ventilated area, basically if i am correct , when charging, we convert water (H20) into Hydrogen & Oxygen gas, & in a Perfect Storm scenario, both gases can go BOOM!

Here is an example of what happened to a (great) local guy I know and deal with occasionally:

https://whnt.com/2018/06/01/fire-des...s-modaus-road/

Note, batteries were suspected to be the issue, I am not sure it was ever proven.

Another guy I know said it caused is CO2 alarm to activate which auto dialed the FD and he and his whole family had to stand out in the middle of the street at 3 AM until FD gave all clear for them to return. He said FD said it was caused by Batts charging.

[sowilliams]

Thanks guys, Like I said, I have seen them bubble but never like this. Just wanted to make sure nothing was wrong.

[gornoman]

Originally Posted by sowilliams

Thanks guys, Like I said, I have seen them bubble but never like this. Just wanted to make sure nothing was wrong.

Keep an eye on the water levels!

[sowilliams]

Originally Posted by gornoman

Keep an eye on the water levels!

Yea, good advice. I did over fill a little and have a small mess. On another note, at what voltage should a 36 volt charger shut itself off. I've been charging now for about 24 hours and it is still going. Pack voltage, right after disconnecting charger, is 39.4. I'm leaving disconnected for an hour to see what it is then.

[JohnnieB]

It depends on what type charger is being used.
If it is one of the old style that weighs a ton and hums like mad, they typically shut of when the on-charge voltage reaches 45V +/-1V.
If it is a modern design, it can go higher.

[sowilliams]

Thanks JohnnieB! It is the older loud hummer.