Mike Romain

The new one was low?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

billy ray wrote:
>
> I decided not to trust it either...
>
> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
>
> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all six
> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to the
> split rings.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > billy ray wrote:
> >>
> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the other
> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
> >> click
> >> from this 4 year old battery.
> >>
> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice cream I
> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
> >>
> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the next 4
> >> read DOA.
> >>
> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
> >> Ed's 6
> >> amp unit.
> >>
> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1 about
> >> a
> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
> >>
> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
> >>
> >> It sat all day yesterday.
> >>
> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked the
> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
> >> charged)
> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
> >> green
> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
> >> voltage
> >> correct, battery passed.
> >>
> >> So what happened?
> >>
> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were not
> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
> >> time
> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
> >>
> >> Any ideas?

Mike Romain

The new one was low?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

billy ray wrote:
>
> I decided not to trust it either...
>
> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
>
> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all six
> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to the
> split rings.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > billy ray wrote:
> >>
> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the other
> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
> >> click
> >> from this 4 year old battery.
> >>
> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice cream I
> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
> >>
> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the next 4
> >> read DOA.
> >>
> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
> >> Ed's 6
> >> amp unit.
> >>
> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1 about
> >> a
> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
> >>
> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
> >>
> >> It sat all day yesterday.
> >>
> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked the
> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
> >> charged)
> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
> >> green
> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
> >> voltage
> >> correct, battery passed.
> >>
> >> So what happened?
> >>
> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were not
> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
> >> time
> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
> >>
> >> Any ideas?

Mike Romain

The new one was low?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

billy ray wrote:
>
> I decided not to trust it either...
>
> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
>
> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all six
> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to the
> split rings.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > billy ray wrote:
> >>
> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the other
> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
> >> click
> >> from this 4 year old battery.
> >>
> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice cream I
> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
> >>
> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the next 4
> >> read DOA.
> >>
> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
> >> Ed's 6
> >> amp unit.
> >>
> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1 about
> >> a
> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
> >>
> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
> >>
> >> It sat all day yesterday.
> >>
> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked the
> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
> >> charged)
> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
> >> green
> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
> >> voltage
> >> correct, battery passed.
> >>
> >> So what happened?
> >>
> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were not
> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
> >> time
> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
> >>
> >> Any ideas?

billy ray

Pretty sad isn't it?

The electrolyte was well above the plates though so I'm not really concerned
about that. The case design is a bit unusual, I don't think I've ever seen
that much headspace above the plates, probably a good design for a wet
battery.

The specs claim 850 cold cranking amps and hmmmm don't recall the number but
Consumer Reports says the Reserve Capacity is 'Well Above Average'. It has
a 3 year free replacement and then pro-rated for 9 years (like it will last
that long!)

The same basic battery is Available from Advance Auto and AutoZone which
isn't surprising as they are all made by Johnson Controls. The price ------
between the retailers is $8.

If I wasn't so cheap I might have gone for an Optima (made by Johnson across
the river) but they run twice as much.

This new WallyWorld is progressive though, it has a reasonably cute
Managerette.


"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:450020A5.554064@sympatico.ca...
> The new one was low?
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> billy ray wrote:
>>
>> I decided not to trust it either...
>>
>> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
>>
>> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all
>> six
>> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to
>> the
>> split rings.
>>
>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
>> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
>> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
>> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
>> >
>> > Mike
>> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>> >
>> > billy ray wrote:
>> >>
>> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the
>> >> other
>> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
>> >> click
>> >> from this 4 year old battery.
>> >>
>> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice
>> >> cream I
>> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
>> >>
>> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the
>> >> next 4
>> >> read DOA.
>> >>
>> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
>> >> Ed's 6
>> >> amp unit.
>> >>
>> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1
>> >> about
>> >> a
>> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
>> >>
>> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
>> >>
>> >> It sat all day yesterday.
>> >>
>> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked
>> >> the
>> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
>> >> charged)
>> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
>> >> green
>> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
>> >> voltage
>> >> correct, battery passed.
>> >>
>> >> So what happened?
>> >>
>> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were
>> >> not
>> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
>> >> time
>> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
>> >>
>> >> Any ideas?

billy ray

Pretty sad isn't it?

The electrolyte was well above the plates though so I'm not really concerned
about that. The case design is a bit unusual, I don't think I've ever seen
that much headspace above the plates, probably a good design for a wet
battery.

The specs claim 850 cold cranking amps and hmmmm don't recall the number but
Consumer Reports says the Reserve Capacity is 'Well Above Average'. It has
a 3 year free replacement and then pro-rated for 9 years (like it will last
that long!)

The same basic battery is Available from Advance Auto and AutoZone which
isn't surprising as they are all made by Johnson Controls. The price ------
between the retailers is $8.

If I wasn't so cheap I might have gone for an Optima (made by Johnson across
the river) but they run twice as much.

This new WallyWorld is progressive though, it has a reasonably cute
Managerette.


"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:450020A5.554064@sympatico.ca...
> The new one was low?
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> billy ray wrote:
>>
>> I decided not to trust it either...
>>
>> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
>>
>> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all
>> six
>> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to
>> the
>> split rings.
>>
>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
>> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
>> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
>> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
>> >
>> > Mike
>> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>> >
>> > billy ray wrote:
>> >>
>> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the
>> >> other
>> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
>> >> click
>> >> from this 4 year old battery.
>> >>
>> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice
>> >> cream I
>> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
>> >>
>> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the
>> >> next 4
>> >> read DOA.
>> >>
>> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
>> >> Ed's 6
>> >> amp unit.
>> >>
>> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1
>> >> about
>> >> a
>> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
>> >>
>> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
>> >>
>> >> It sat all day yesterday.
>> >>
>> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked
>> >> the
>> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
>> >> charged)
>> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
>> >> green
>> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
>> >> voltage
>> >> correct, battery passed.
>> >>
>> >> So what happened?
>> >>
>> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were
>> >> not
>> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
>> >> time
>> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
>> >>
>> >> Any ideas?

billy ray

Pretty sad isn't it?

The electrolyte was well above the plates though so I'm not really concerned
about that. The case design is a bit unusual, I don't think I've ever seen
that much headspace above the plates, probably a good design for a wet
battery.

The specs claim 850 cold cranking amps and hmmmm don't recall the number but
Consumer Reports says the Reserve Capacity is 'Well Above Average'. It has
a 3 year free replacement and then pro-rated for 9 years (like it will last
that long!)

The same basic battery is Available from Advance Auto and AutoZone which
isn't surprising as they are all made by Johnson Controls. The price ------
between the retailers is $8.

If I wasn't so cheap I might have gone for an Optima (made by Johnson across
the river) but they run twice as much.

This new WallyWorld is progressive though, it has a reasonably cute
Managerette.


"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:450020A5.554064@sympatico.ca...
> The new one was low?
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> billy ray wrote:
>>
>> I decided not to trust it either...
>>
>> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
>>
>> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all
>> six
>> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to
>> the
>> split rings.
>>
>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
>> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
>> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
>> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
>> >
>> > Mike
>> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
>> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
>> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>> >
>> > billy ray wrote:
>> >>
>> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the
>> >> other
>> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
>> >> click
>> >> from this 4 year old battery.
>> >>
>> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice
>> >> cream I
>> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
>> >>
>> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the
>> >> next 4
>> >> read DOA.
>> >>
>> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
>> >> Ed's 6
>> >> amp unit.
>> >>
>> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1
>> >> about
>> >> a
>> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
>> >>
>> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
>> >>
>> >> It sat all day yesterday.
>> >>
>> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked
>> >> the
>> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
>> >> charged)
>> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
>> >> green
>> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
>> >> voltage
>> >> correct, battery passed.
>> >>
>> >> So what happened?
>> >>
>> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were
>> >> not
>> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
>> >> time
>> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
>> >>
>> >> Any ideas?

Mike Romain

You should complain to the management. 'Wet' batteries are shipped in a
dry state and get filled at the garage or store selling them. Someone
is either trying to save a buck or they were not taught how to properly
fill a battery. Or, there was a spill causing a loss of acid.

Your battery is now a 'bad' battery that will give you grief down the
road. The fluid that it is supposed to be filled with is acid. As the
fluid boils, 'water' is lost from this acid mix. You then 'replace' the
lost water with distilled water.

The acid itself does not evaporate away, only the water content does.

The fact your battery was low on acid and you replaced this missing acid
with water means the solution is now thinned out. This should never
happen unless you physically spill it out. In the case of a spill, we
used to replace the missing fluid with acid, never water.

I sure wouldn't want to be way out in the bush relying on that battery
come the first cold snap....

Mike

billy ray wrote:
>
> Pretty sad isn't it?
>
> The electrolyte was well above the plates though so I'm not really concerned
> about that. The case design is a bit unusual, I don't think I've ever seen
> that much headspace above the plates, probably a good design for a wet
> battery.
>
> The specs claim 850 cold cranking amps and hmmmm don't recall the number but
> Consumer Reports says the Reserve Capacity is 'Well Above Average'. It has
> a 3 year free replacement and then pro-rated for 9 years (like it will last
> that long!)
>
> The same basic battery is Available from Advance Auto and AutoZone which
> isn't surprising as they are all made by Johnson Controls. The price ------
> between the retailers is $8.
>
> If I wasn't so cheap I might have gone for an Optima (made by Johnson across
> the river) but they run twice as much.
>
> This new WallyWorld is progressive though, it has a reasonably cute
> Managerette.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:450020A5.554064@sympatico.ca...
> > The new one was low?
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > billy ray wrote:
> >>
> >> I decided not to trust it either...
> >>
> >> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
> >>
> >> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all
> >> six
> >> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to
> >> the
> >> split rings.
> >>
> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> >> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
> >> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
> >> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
> >> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
> >> >
> >> > Mike
> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> >> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> >> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >> >
> >> > billy ray wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the
> >> >> other
> >> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
> >> >> click
> >> >> from this 4 year old battery.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice
> >> >> cream I
> >> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
> >> >>
> >> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the
> >> >> next 4
> >> >> read DOA.
> >> >>
> >> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
> >> >> Ed's 6
> >> >> amp unit.
> >> >>
> >> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1
> >> >> about
> >> >> a
> >> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
> >> >>
> >> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
> >> >>
> >> >> It sat all day yesterday.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked
> >> >> the
> >> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
> >> >> charged)
> >> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
> >> >> green
> >> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
> >> >> voltage
> >> >> correct, battery passed.
> >> >>
> >> >> So what happened?
> >> >>
> >> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were
> >> >> not
> >> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
> >> >> time
> >> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
> >> >>
> >> >> Any ideas?

Mike Romain

You should complain to the management. 'Wet' batteries are shipped in a
dry state and get filled at the garage or store selling them. Someone
is either trying to save a buck or they were not taught how to properly
fill a battery. Or, there was a spill causing a loss of acid.

Your battery is now a 'bad' battery that will give you grief down the
road. The fluid that it is supposed to be filled with is acid. As the
fluid boils, 'water' is lost from this acid mix. You then 'replace' the
lost water with distilled water.

The acid itself does not evaporate away, only the water content does.

The fact your battery was low on acid and you replaced this missing acid
with water means the solution is now thinned out. This should never
happen unless you physically spill it out. In the case of a spill, we
used to replace the missing fluid with acid, never water.

I sure wouldn't want to be way out in the bush relying on that battery
come the first cold snap....

Mike

billy ray wrote:
>
> Pretty sad isn't it?
>
> The electrolyte was well above the plates though so I'm not really concerned
> about that. The case design is a bit unusual, I don't think I've ever seen
> that much headspace above the plates, probably a good design for a wet
> battery.
>
> The specs claim 850 cold cranking amps and hmmmm don't recall the number but
> Consumer Reports says the Reserve Capacity is 'Well Above Average'. It has
> a 3 year free replacement and then pro-rated for 9 years (like it will last
> that long!)
>
> The same basic battery is Available from Advance Auto and AutoZone which
> isn't surprising as they are all made by Johnson Controls. The price ------
> between the retailers is $8.
>
> If I wasn't so cheap I might have gone for an Optima (made by Johnson across
> the river) but they run twice as much.
>
> This new WallyWorld is progressive though, it has a reasonably cute
> Managerette.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:450020A5.554064@sympatico.ca...
> > The new one was low?
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > billy ray wrote:
> >>
> >> I decided not to trust it either...
> >>
> >> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
> >>
> >> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all
> >> six
> >> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to
> >> the
> >> split rings.
> >>
> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> >> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
> >> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
> >> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
> >> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
> >> >
> >> > Mike
> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> >> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> >> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >> >
> >> > billy ray wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the
> >> >> other
> >> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
> >> >> click
> >> >> from this 4 year old battery.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice
> >> >> cream I
> >> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
> >> >>
> >> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the
> >> >> next 4
> >> >> read DOA.
> >> >>
> >> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
> >> >> Ed's 6
> >> >> amp unit.
> >> >>
> >> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1
> >> >> about
> >> >> a
> >> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
> >> >>
> >> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
> >> >>
> >> >> It sat all day yesterday.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked
> >> >> the
> >> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
> >> >> charged)
> >> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
> >> >> green
> >> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
> >> >> voltage
> >> >> correct, battery passed.
> >> >>
> >> >> So what happened?
> >> >>
> >> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were
> >> >> not
> >> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
> >> >> time
> >> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
> >> >>
> >> >> Any ideas?

Mike Romain

You should complain to the management. 'Wet' batteries are shipped in a
dry state and get filled at the garage or store selling them. Someone
is either trying to save a buck or they were not taught how to properly
fill a battery. Or, there was a spill causing a loss of acid.

Your battery is now a 'bad' battery that will give you grief down the
road. The fluid that it is supposed to be filled with is acid. As the
fluid boils, 'water' is lost from this acid mix. You then 'replace' the
lost water with distilled water.

The acid itself does not evaporate away, only the water content does.

The fact your battery was low on acid and you replaced this missing acid
with water means the solution is now thinned out. This should never
happen unless you physically spill it out. In the case of a spill, we
used to replace the missing fluid with acid, never water.

I sure wouldn't want to be way out in the bush relying on that battery
come the first cold snap....

Mike

billy ray wrote:
>
> Pretty sad isn't it?
>
> The electrolyte was well above the plates though so I'm not really concerned
> about that. The case design is a bit unusual, I don't think I've ever seen
> that much headspace above the plates, probably a good design for a wet
> battery.
>
> The specs claim 850 cold cranking amps and hmmmm don't recall the number but
> Consumer Reports says the Reserve Capacity is 'Well Above Average'. It has
> a 3 year free replacement and then pro-rated for 9 years (like it will last
> that long!)
>
> The same basic battery is Available from Advance Auto and AutoZone which
> isn't surprising as they are all made by Johnson Controls. The price ------
> between the retailers is $8.
>
> If I wasn't so cheap I might have gone for an Optima (made by Johnson across
> the river) but they run twice as much.
>
> This new WallyWorld is progressive though, it has a reasonably cute
> Managerette.
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:450020A5.554064@sympatico.ca...
> > The new one was low?
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > billy ray wrote:
> >>
> >> I decided not to trust it either...
> >>
> >> I got an Everstart Maxx from Wal-Mart to replace it.
> >>
> >> FWIW: After I got home I decided to check the electrolyte level and all
> >> six
> >> cells were low. It took 11 ounces of distilled water to get them up to
> >> the
> >> split rings.
> >>
> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> >> news:44F6E8D6.32E14FB1@sympatico.ca...
> >> >I wouldn't trust it. When the cells have different charge levels the
> >> > battery is on it's last legs. If they all were evenly dead, then I
> >> > would do a deep slow charge and figure it was still good to go.
> >> >
> >> > Mike
> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> >> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> >> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >> >
> >> > billy ray wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> I attempted to go out in the Jeep to my dad's birthday dinner the
> >> >> other
> >> >> night but when I tried to start it I got nary a groan... just click,
> >> >> click
> >> >> from this 4 year old battery.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was able to get a ride and after the all important cake and ice
> >> >> cream I
> >> >> took a look at the beast about 8 PM.
> >> >>
> >> >> The specific gravity was pretty low on the first two cells and the
> >> >> next 4
> >> >> read DOA.
> >> >>
> >> >> My charger decided to die at that point and I ran next door to borrow
> >> >> Ed's 6
> >> >> amp unit.
> >> >>
> >> >> At 2 AM (6 hours of charging) I had 2 cells about half charged, 1
> >> >> about
> >> >> a
> >> >> quarter, and 3 DOA.
> >> >>
> >> >> At 6 PM (22 hours charging I had 5 cells at 100% and the 6th at 75%.
> >> >>
> >> >> It sat all day yesterday.
> >> >>
> >> >> I was ready to buy a new battery tonight but for some reason I asked
> >> >> the
> >> >> counter guy to run a test on it. The 'eye' showed green (battery
> >> >> charged)
> >> >> and he started the 50% load (325 amps). Battery voltage stayed in the
> >> >> green
> >> >> the whole time. Start the engine..... alternator charging to spec,
> >> >> voltage
> >> >> correct, battery passed.
> >> >>
> >> >> So what happened?
> >> >>
> >> >> The parts man suggested that perhaps I left a light on. There were
> >> >> not
> >> >> lights on at that moment but did I turn it off without thinking some
> >> >> time
> >> >> when I was working on it and now don't recall it?
> >> >>
> >> >> Any ideas?