Battery problems

[St. Vitus Dance]

Hey guys I've never had a problem with my batteries before this summer. I have a sea ray sun dancer 310 DA . The water in my batteries is cooking out . How do I check the charger to see if its over charging ??????????

 

[Island Time Buffalo]

If it's the original charger, it's most likely cooking your batteries at that age. In fact, the original chargers weren't that great to start. I replaced my 1999 about 4 years ago with the smart upgrade when my batteries started cooking. It's an excellent unit, I haven't had to replace a battery yet, and in the old days it was looking like every 2 years.

 

[St. Vitus Dance]

Thxs I was hoping it was just a reset of the breakers but ill check the charger … Its on a 2000 3210 Sundancer

 

[markrsimon]

Also depends on how many cycles you’ve put them through. If you anchor out a lot and drain them down - and charge them back up - on a frequent basis, that will also hasten the water evaporation process. How old are the batteries? They may not be holding a charge anymore and the charger is trying, but simply cant top them off. Definitely check the charger as mentioned, and if there are settings - make sure its set right (flooded vs agm etc). Checking water level twice a year at minimum is important. Then have the batteries load tested after your sure they’ve been fully charged. May simply be batteries that have reached the end of their useful life, an older charger that cooks them, or both.

 

[St. Vitus Dance]

Thanks so.much for your reply
. Actually the batteries are only a year old . I never had this problem last year after install of the new batteries so quite possibly be the battery charger !!! I have to keep filling the batteries with water so not sure if they're fried as well !!!

 

[techmitch]

Thanks so.much for your reply
. Actually the batteries are only a year old . I never had this problem last year after install of the new batteries so quite possibly be the battery charger !!! I have to keep filling the batteries with water so not sure if they're fried as well !!!

It is extremely important to use distilled water.

 

[St. Vitus Dance]

It is extremely important to use distilled water.

Yes I've had to use about 5 gallons since this problem started ..Some from over pour and spillage as it's hard to get at the batteries even with the deck panels taken out !!!

 

[techmitch]

Yes I've had to use about 5 gallons since this problem started ..Some from over pour and spillage as it's hard to get at the batteries even with the deck panels taken out !!!

That's good, but if they have boiled that much water, they are probably done anyhow. Sounds like your ready for some fresh battery's and the replacement of that 20 year old charger with a new smart charger. Ain't cheap, but you'll be happy when you are done.

 

[Stee6043]

FWIW you can check both your batteries and your charger with the item linked below. I had a bad battery and a bad charger this spring. I'm confident my 97 vintage charger smoked a 2 year old battery. I diagnosed both with this gem...saved myself a bunch of money avoiding having the marina swing out to check for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AMBOI0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[St. Vitus Dance]

Thxs