My 12v deep cycle/marin RV batteries tipped over and leaked. Can the batteries be repaired/re-used and charged up again, or do I need to pop the caps off somehow, add water/acid or something to replace the leaked acid prior to putting back in service.
If the batteries are not damaged, the acid must be replaced with the correct type. If you ever add water to a battery, it must be distilled water, not tap water that contains minerals in it.
If the batteries are damaged, then they must be replaced.
"Pop the caps off somehow?" This a "sealed lead acid battery?" In theory they don't leak even when upside down - or so the hype says. Doubtless there's some mechanism to vent a case under pressure since venting is likely to be less likely to create a lawsuit than bursting.
They (regular liquid electrolyte cells) don't "have" to be replaced simply because you lost a little acid. You do need to add dilute sulphuric acid to replace what was lost (or if it was an insignificant amount like 3-4 ounces in a large battery just top off with distilled or de ionized water.
An old fashioned garage will have a "box" of the correct strength acid and will likely do it for little or nothing. My local farmer's supply place sells the whole gallon bag for $4. I've gone both routes - to fill dry shipped motorcycle batteries.
Now, if the batteries tipped over last season and you haven't done anything since, a loss of acid is probably the least of your worries.
Dilute sulphuric is dangerous - keep away from metals use only polyethylene or glass or rubber to handle it. Wear safety glasses.
Concentrated sulphuric is viscous and oily yellow in appearance - and goes through skin like it isn't there - the so called dilute stuff is still very dangerous - treat it with respect.
--
----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+
Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----
ElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.