Battery Low on Water (1 Viewer)

CJB

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I have just been out to check on the water levers in my 2 Banner Energy Bull batteries, they are connected in parallel. I only added the second battery last year.

Anyway the old battery was pretty much full, however the newer battery was showing the top of the plates exposed, this creates a few questions for me.

1) Is it odd for one of the batteries in a parallel bank to run low like this?
2) Is my battery knackered now, please say no?
3) What should I do next, fill up the levels and charge it?
4) I have a solar panel on the roof and the unit reading shows that the batteries at 13.8V, the van is not connected to the mains. I assume the reading should show 14.4V when fully charged
 

pappajohn

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13.8v is fully charged when on charge.

After an hour or so it will drop to around 12.7v if there is no input from the solar panel or on board charger

14.4v is the charging voltage.

Just top up the low cells and it should be ok.
 
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CJB

CJB

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Thanks will do.

I was just a bit confused as to why 1 batter would run out of water and not the other seems a bit odd

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DBK

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The one with more electrolyte may not be pulling its weight, which makes sense if it is the oldest. Plates more sulphated perhaps.
 

jonandshell

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If the older battery is partially sulphated through abuse or just old age, it will absorb less current and therefore less hydrogen will be produced during charging.
The hydrogen comes from the water, hence the fact more water remains!

Simples!:Smile:
 

Wildman

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n that is exactly why batteries should both be the same age and size. Always replace a pair. Looking like you now need 2 new batteries to break the cycle

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jonandshell

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n that is exactly why batteries should both be the same age and size. Always replace a pair. Looking like you now need 2 new batteries to break the cycle

Then he will have 2 batteries to top up and not just the new one!!!!:laughing:
 
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CJB

CJB

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hmm, don't like the sound of 2 new batteries. Both batteries are exactly the same one is 1 year old the other is 2 years old, so they both should be ok really.:confused:
 

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