Battery Question

[kap1492]

I purchased an Everstart battery from Wall-Mart and the sticker says that it was manufactured in May of 2003. Due to some personal issues I NEVER used it, I just stored it in my garage on a wooden bench. I decided to charge it up to see if it is any good. I put it on Monday night and when it reached 100%. Then next morning I woke up to check it and it was at 90%? Is this battery even worth trying to use and is discharge after a short time indicate that it is shot? I followed procedure by checking the water level and topped it off before the charge. <br /><br />Thanks<br /> <br />jr

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Battery Question

How does the acid look? Is it clear?

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery Question

I would let it sit about a week, check the charge again, or better yet, have a Store like auto zone, do a free load test on it

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery Question

I would let it sit about a week, check the charge again, or better yet, have a Store like auto zone, do a free load test on it

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery Question

opps i posted twice,i'm sorry, just to fast on the clicker

 

[DJ]

Re: Battery Question

A high amp load test is no real way of determining if a battery can be salvaged. The load test only determines if the battery is shorted or unable to supply the current in its current state of charge.<br /><br />Large battery manufactures will tell you that 80% plus of the cores (returned batteries) are serviceable.<br /><br />It may be slightly sulfated, but serviceable.<br /><br />Do this.<br /><br />1. Attach some type of small 12 volt load to it. A light or something.<br /><br />2. Let it go dead. I mean-DEAD!<br /><br />3. Recharge slowly using 6 amps or less.<br /><br />It will most likely come back.

 

[kap1492]

Re: Battery Question

When I topped the battery off with distilled water and the water was clear, I dont know if that would help and how could I check?

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery Question

Specific Gravity Test This test is performed with a hydrometer, which is the most accurate hand held tool for determining the state of charge of a lead acid battery.<br /><br /> 1. Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer a few times so that the float reaches the same temperature as the electrolyte. This will increase the accuracy of your readings.<br /><br /><br /> 2. Hold the hydrometer vertically so that the float is free and does not touch the inner walls of the barrel.<br /><br /><br /> 3. Hold the hydrometer so that the liquid is level in the barrel and at eye level.<br /><br /><br /> 4. When you draw the electrolyte, make sure that the hydrometer is full.<br /><br /><br /> 5. Check each individual battery cell. If the specific gravity varies more than .050 or "50 points" among the cells while the battery is at a 75% state of charge or above, then the battery is bad and should be replaced. The cells that have a specific gravity of 50 points less than the highest cell are bad cells. A hydrometer reading of 1.265 or greater at 80°F indicates a full charge for Interstate batteries. To determine the battery's state of charge, compare the hydrometer reading to the Specific Gravity Chart.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery Question

Specific Gravity VS. State of Charge<br />1.265 100% <br />1.225 75% <br />1.190 50% <br />1.155 25% <br />1.120 0%

 

[jch7450]

Re: Battery Question

Lack of use is one of the greatest enemies of a battery, especially an automotive battery which is designed to be charged regularly by an alternator. Any unused battery, regardless of its chemistry, will self-discharge over time and, if allowed to remain discharged, will undergo severe positive grid corrosion and premature battery failure. The rate of discharge depends on the type of battery and the storage temperature.