48 Volt CC with dry batteries

[tkinche106]

Just picked up a 1996 Club Car 48 volt (Series) for free.
Trojan T-875 Date stamped 1996 but Batteries and cables look like almost new. Actually the whole cart looks almost new other than being covered in tree sap and leaves. However all 6 batteries were very dry. Took at least 1/2 gallon of water to top off each battery. Not sure how long it has not run or why it was parked and left for me. I have tested charger on another cart and it works. It will not come on when plugged into this cart.
Need advice.....should I attempt to charge the batteries with a 12 volt car charger to bump them up enough allow the charger to kick on. And if so....what kind of car charger should I use (understand that I should only
leave it on each battery fo about 1/2 hour).
OR am I just kidding myself ....and should I invest in 6 new batteries?
My reservation is......what if it won't run with new batteries. $600- $800
invested in batteries and now I need new controller, motor, etc etc. etc.
Thanks....
tk

[Speedchaser]

No hurt in trying, try one battery and see if it will even take any kind of charge.
I doubt it though.

[tkinche106]

can i use "any" 12 volt car battery charger no matter what the amps?

[simple man]

Originally Posted by tkinche106

can i use "any" 12 volt car battery charger no matter what the amps?

Most 12V chargers have a high and low setting. Make sure you only filled those batteries enough to cover the plates. If you topped them off, you'll have a hell of a mess when you charge them. Ok, use the high setting on the charger, but only until you see the ammeter rise to 5amps or so ( it may read nothing at first ). Turn it down and let each battery charge on low for a half hour. Do this to all the batteries. You're going to have to watch each battery while you do this as they or the charger may overheat! Now try the cart charger and see if it will start. If so let it run until it automatically shuts off. If it didn't start, repeat with the 12V charger. These batteries are probably junk, but will be good enough to test the cart with.

[Speedchaser]

Originally Posted by simple man

Most 12V chargers have a high and low setting. Make sure you only filled those batteries enough to cover the plates. If you topped them off, you'll have a hell of a mess when you charge them. Ok, use the high setting on the charger, but only until you see the ammeter rise to 5amps or so ( it may read nothing at first ). Turn it down and let each battery charge on low for a half hour. Do this to all the batteries. You're going to have to watch each battery while you do this as they or the charger may overheat! Now try the cart charger and see if it will start. If so let it run until it automatically shuts off. If it didn't start, repeat with the 12V charger. These batteries are probably junk, but will be good enough to test the cart with.

And when you are watching do not get too close in case of explosion, and maybe ware protective glasses

[simple man]

Originally Posted by Speedchaser

And when you are watching do not get too close in case of explosion, and maybe ware protective glasses

A good idea when working around any batteries!

[Fishing Dude]

Wear full face sheild, rubber apron, and rubber gloves. OSHA standard for changing lift truck batteries

[tkinche106]

I guess it was worth a try.....40 bucks for a 10amp 12 volt battery
charger from Walmart. BUUUTTTTT....only 4 batteries would charge.
The other 2 evidently were so dead the charger would not show it was
connected. Never could get the caart charger to come on.
SO 6 brand new Trojan T875's this morning at a cost of
$685. It's charging now in the garage and I'm anxous to take this out
for a test drive to see if everything works. I moved it forward and in
reverse before I plugged the charger in so I know we're 80% there. After
the batteries cam out I thought I'd have to scrub up the frame and battery
box....but once again I'm shocked. Could find no evidence of any battery
acid. I think this guy (previous owner) bought it reconditioned and never
topped off the batteries dduring the 6 years he owned it. Granted he did not
drive it much. Many thanks to all who chimed in.