Have an old automotive battery that should be replaced soon. Before exchanging it, however, would like to see if it can be revived for continued (temporary) use in a garden tractor.
The battery has been neglected. Electrolyte level was very low (below top of plates; could only see liquid in one cell, even when tilting battery). Plates are hard to see through vent holes, because there appears to be a horizontal strip of metal above the plates, just below the vent holes. However, looking through the holes at an angle, can see the plates, which unfortunately look a bit shabby. Perhaps some loose flakes in there too.
The battery was unfortunately used in low-fill (exposed plate) condition. It eventually failed to hold a charge and would not restart the garden tractor. Jumpstarted garden tractor with 200 amp buzz box engine starter. Noticed some sparks flew off positive terminal when key was turned to crank engine. Operated tractor, checked battery, noticed it was hot. Not sure if battery heating is normal (due to hot engine proximity), as hadn't previously checked battery temperature after operation. It was suggested that heating may be due to internal short, but not sure there's any evidence of this.
Battery is currently discharged to 0.7 volts, and may have been frozen in low-fill condition. Added distilled water to 1/8 in. below bottom of slotted vent tubes. Now, how to attempt charging? Have 2/10/40 amp buzz box, separate automatic charger/maintainer, and DMM. Not sure it's even safe to try charging/using this battery, but assume distilled top-off improved safety. The battery should be replaced, but would be great if could squeeze out a few more months of service. Would appreciate any suggestions for charging process.
The battery has been neglected. Electrolyte level was very low (below top of plates; could only see liquid in one cell, even when tilting battery). Plates are hard to see through vent holes, because there appears to be a horizontal strip of metal above the plates, just below the vent holes. However, looking through the holes at an angle, can see the plates, which unfortunately look a bit shabby. Perhaps some loose flakes in there too.
The battery was unfortunately used in low-fill (exposed plate) condition. It eventually failed to hold a charge and would not restart the garden tractor. Jumpstarted garden tractor with 200 amp buzz box engine starter. Noticed some sparks flew off positive terminal when key was turned to crank engine. Operated tractor, checked battery, noticed it was hot. Not sure if battery heating is normal (due to hot engine proximity), as hadn't previously checked battery temperature after operation. It was suggested that heating may be due to internal short, but not sure there's any evidence of this.
Battery is currently discharged to 0.7 volts, and may have been frozen in low-fill condition. Added distilled water to 1/8 in. below bottom of slotted vent tubes. Now, how to attempt charging? Have 2/10/40 amp buzz box, separate automatic charger/maintainer, and DMM. Not sure it's even safe to try charging/using this battery, but assume distilled top-off improved safety. The battery should be replaced, but would be great if could squeeze out a few more months of service. Would appreciate any suggestions for charging process.