Marine Battery wet cell ?

[Bertram38]

Hello All

Upon inspection of batteries I noticed one battery was leaking acid from top vent covers. OK , so I remove covers to check level and acid looks like ICE. and some cells look dirty and Hard as a rock in all 6 cells. Still reads 12.4 volts and starts the engines.
The other battery has cloudy acid in it but not rock hard like the other one. Hard rock battery is 1.5 years old and the other is less than one year.
WTF made the acid turn to rock.
I will replace both batteries without question, just a waste of money for what used to last a bit longer than 1 year.
Thanks for your time.
B38:ack2:

 

[Ratickle]

I have no idea on that one.

Anyone????

 

[Bertram38]

I mean take an Ice pick to break up what used to be water, hmmm, and I live in Florida.

 

[C_Spray]

Sounds like it got over-charged, boiled some water out, and then sulfated the tops of the plates. Low voltage indicates that it's wounded, but still functioning using the lower portion of the plates that may still be wet. Check your alternator regulators and the setting on your onboard charger. If they're set for gel cell's, they may cook flooded batteries.

 

[Bertram38]

Thanks for the tip C_Spray. :iagree:
I rememder back @ the Labor day Poker run that port Alternator was pumping 14 .5 amps all day long. I bet the Regulator went south on me. I will rip out the alternator and test.
I never new the acid can turn into rock hard from being over charged. I thought they just boil the water out and swell. Oh well, more money.:ack2:
B38