Marine Battery Maintenance
Marine Battery Maintenance
Marine Battery Maintenance
Lead-acid Batteries used on boats present several hazards to owners interested performing their own maintenance. Lead is a well known toxic heavy metal. It shouldn't be a danger unless the battery case is broken. The electrolyte used in the battery composed of sulfuric acid and water. Sulfuric acid will severely burn eyes and skin. Goggles and acid resistant gloves should be worn while servicing the fluid levels of conventional lead-acid batteries. Charging a battery produces explosive hydrogen gas. Avoid introducing sources of ignition near the battery and provide good ventilation. Wash hands after working around batteries.
Visual Inspection - Marine battery maintenance begins with a visual inspection:
Look at the exterior of the battery. Look for cracks in the case, dirt or corrosion on terminals, and leaking electrolyte. Batteries with any external damage must be replaced and recycled
Check battery cables and connections, looking for any damaged components. Cables need to be clean, insulation intact and not be frayed. Connections need to be clean and tight
Tighten battery connections to manufacturer's standards
Open Circuit and Specific Gravity Testing - External visual inspection doesn't tell the whole story of battery condition. Testing battery open circuit voltage and specific gravity of its electrolyte give a more accurate picture of the battery's health. The electrolyte can only be checked on flooded electrolyte batteries such as Hp Pavilion ze1210 Battery, Hp Pavilion ZT1000 Battery and Hp Pavilion ZT1100 Battery.
Specific Gravity Test - Specific gravity describes the density of a fluid as compared to water. A number higher than one means the liquid is denser than water. A hydrometer purchased from a parts store is used to test specific gravity of the electrolyte.
Do not add water prior to testing
Fill and empty the hydrometer with electrolyte from the cell to be tested two or three times before pulling out a sample
There is a scaled float inside the hydrometer. Fill the tube with electrolyte high enough to freely float the scaled float
Record the value from the scale and record it. Return the electrolyte to its cell. Repeat the process for each battery cell
Replace vent caps for each cell and ensure the battery case is clean
Correct scale readings for temperature. A chart will be printed on the float or come with the hydrometer
Reading between cells should be similar and be at or above 1.277 .007
If readings are below 1.277 .007, fully charge the battery and retest it
A battery with a specific gravity below 1.277 .007 may be old and near the end of its useful life. Other contributing factors can be excessive discharge, loss of electrolyte, or a bad battery cell
Open Circuit Voltage Test - Accurate testing depends on the battery being left idle with no charging or discharging for at least 6 hours with 24 hours being preferable.
Disconnect the battery cables
Measure voltage using an accurate DC voltmeter
Compare the value with a state of charge chart
Abbreviated Charge Chart
100% 12.73 volts
80% 12.50 volts
60% 12.24 volts
40% 11.96 volts
20% 11.66 volts
Electrolyte Levels for Flooded Batteries On batteries that allow access to the electrolyte, the fluid should cover the interior lead plates. Water should be added after fully charging a battery. Check electrolyte levels at least once a month. There is a fill well visible under the vent cap. Fill to within an 1/8 inch of the bottom of the well. Avoid overfilling the battery. Try to use distilled water for servicing a battery. Ensure vent caps are tightened after checking fluid levels. Never add acid to a battery.
Cleaning - Keeping batteries clean helps with making external inspections. Cracks and leaks will be more visible. Wear acid resistant gloves and goggles while cleaning a battery.
Check that vent caps are secure
Clean the top of the battery with a cloth and a mixture of baking soda and water
Rinse off the battery with fresh water
Clean terminal connections and battery post with a cleaning tool sold for this purpose
Place a thin coat of petroleum jelly on terminal and connectors
Keep the battery location clean and dry
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