Deep Cycle Battery

[WallyGator12000]

So I have a question for you guys...I have a trojan SC series deep cycle battery that runs my 42 lbs thrust motorguide trolling motor and non-color bottom line depth finder on my lund. I bought the battery two years ago, and now it really won't hold anywhere near the charge it used to. My last two trips out have ended in a dead battery, and these were both only a couple of hours long. I have a new charger, and have always stored it inside in the winter. Did I get a lemon? Is this normal battery life? If I had to gauge how bad it is, I would say if when it was new it was a 10 out of 10, now it is a 4. Any thoughts?

[Sutty]

I don't know if you have a lemon or not but it might have a pro-rated warranty if you want to exchange it on a new one. I have had some batteries last a long time and some that went south quick.

[Rivernut]

Gator, I have an SCS225, never any problem having enough juice for a full day w/50# Minnkota. Had it for two full season's mostly on the river, and you need a lot power there. This is definitely not normal. Bring it in and have someone test the battery, then check your connection's and charger. Hope this help's, good luck!

[sparcebag]

Gater I had some problems also like yours.last year I got a new B&D charger,it has a cycle to clean plates of built up junk I ran that cycle it worked better! then reading more into instructions it also has a cycle to equalize charge distribution in the cells so I ran that,The batt. was like new again!!

[BobT]

When was the last time you checked the fluid level in the battery? Unless it is a sealed battery, recharging, especially over-charging, will usually cause the battery to lose water over time because it generates heat and consequently evaporation. If it is low you will lose capacity. Best is to refill with distilled water but filterd tap water will work but can introduce some contaminants which will reduce the battery's life to a degree.

NOTE: The water level should never be allowed to get below the top of the plates.

Just something to check.

Bob

[WallyGator12000]

So here is my sheepish confession...It is definitely a flooded battery...and I have never added water to it in two years, I was unaware of it's need to be replentished. When I checked the fluid levels, the top of the plates were dry...I have added water to the proper level, and recharged the battery, but does anyone know if it's too late? I can't get out until this weekend to try the battery myself, but has anyone dealt with this before? It's totally my fault if the battery is toast, but I'm hoping it's not permanently ruined...thanks for the help though guys!

[BobT]

It could be too late. When the plates become exposed they become contaminated and this can be irrepairable.

I have heard of possibly regenerating a battery by using a boost charge. Supposedly this can "knock off" contaminants? This could be a dangerous thing to do as well so don't take my word for it! Best check with a battery expert.

Bob

[Walterwontfalter]

Not a "boost" charge but a "pulse" charge. they are different. Some battery chargers have a "recondition" mode on them. the one I have has that mode and I've brought back deep cycles that only accepted about half charge. Reconditioned it for 24 hours through 3 cycles (3 days on the charger) and now that's my best battery. Be sure to top it off with electrolyte before you start reconditioning it.