Battery "boiling" over on the garage floor?

[billethkid]

I got new batteries last February (4 X 12). I fill them the same as the old ones...cover the plates and to the bottom of the well opening.
The only thing I can figure is to not fill to the bottom of the opening.
Anybody have a similar experience? Advice?

btk

[jimmer]

You only fill your batteries after a full charge.

[gongoozler]

You only fill your batteries after a full charge.

Jimmer is 100% correct . . . never fill before charging!!

[Barefoot]

I got new batteries last February (4 X 12). I fill them the same as the old ones...cover the plates and to the bottom of the well opening.
The only thing I can figure is to not fill to the bottom of the opening.
Anybody have a similar experience? Advice?
btk

Yes, I've had the same problem. Fizzing over.

[ajbrown]

I have always read that you fill each cell to within 1/8 to 1/4 from the lower lip of the fill hole. My Par Car (2000) will bubble a tiny bit out, but my Club Car does not (2002).

[MrMark]

I got new batteries last February (4 X 12). I fill them the same as the old ones...cover the plates and to the bottom of the well opening.
The only thing I can figure is to not fill to the bottom of the opening.
Anybody have a similar experience? Advice?

btk

Charge before filling is correct! If you want to solve the problem you should look at a Single Fill system. Takes only a few seconds to fill all the cells and you don't have to worry about overfilling.

[dadspet]

same problem with new 12v batteries. Only filled to correct level after charging.

[Joe Bo]

How do you remove a stain on the cement garage floor from battery boilover? Has anyone put down a rubber mat to catch the spill? If so what did you use , where did you get it and approx what was the cost

Thanks

Joe

[dre1945]

Usually that's a sign that the batteries are on their last legs and need replacement.

[Bogie Shooter]

How do you remove a stain on the cement garage floor from battery boilover? Has anyone put down a rubber mat to catch the spill? If so what did you use , where did you get it and approx what was the cost

Thanks

Joe

A rubber mat will not do the trick. I bought a heavy plastic one at Town & Country Golf Carts. Had a couple boil overs and the mat saved my epozy covered cement.
I think it was around $70.

[ajbrown]

How do you remove a stain on the cement garage floor from battery boilover? Has anyone put down a rubber mat to catch the spill? If so what did you use , where did you get it and approx what was the cost

Thanks

Joe

I have read folks had luck with Iron Out. After we had a garage stained/painted I went with two mats one for each cart just in case. If they are still there, I got them from Rugrats at the Marion Flea. Here is a thread with the info.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30044&highlight=garage

[ajbrown]

How do you remove a stain on the cement garage floor from battery boilover? Joe

I remembered where I had recently seen how to get acid stains off of concrete. Short answer is Iron Out, for details See djv post #12 of this thread.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33734&page=2

PS. I updated my previous post #11 with this info and added this post in case you already read my incorrect post (#11) from last night.

[Barefoot]

If you want to solve the problem you should look at a Single Fill system. Takes only a few seconds to fill all the cells and you don't have to worry about overfilling.

I have a Single Fill System. And my batteries are fizzing over.

[rubicon]

My golf cart repairman informed me that the only thing that will remove battery acid leakage is muriatic acid. I purchase some and plan on using it shortly. I will mix it in a spray bottle and focus on the areas stained. Yes I agree with those suggesting not to refill batteries until after charging. I also do not charge my batteries overnight because I fear the automatic shutoff from the charger might become defective and create a fire. So I only recharge during the day I am interested in learning if anyone is getting better than 3-4 years on their batteries and if so the brand name. I have gone through three sets of batteries in four years and they were suppose to be the best Trojans???? Any suggestions?

[ajbrown]

I am interested in learning if anyone is getting better than 3-4 years on their batteries and if so the brand name. I have gone through three sets of batteries in four years and they were suppose to be the best Trojans???? Any suggestions?

Three sets in fours years? OUCH!

I budget for 3 years for a set of batteries. I still use Trojan although each time I buy, I look to see who the new standard is. I figure with 8-6V batteries I spend about $250/year on "fuel" for three years. If I get four years that is a bonus.

[Bob45]

My golf cart repairman informed me that the only thing that will remove battery acid leakage is muriatic acid. I purchase some and plan on using it shortly. I will mix it in a spray bottle and focus on the areas stained. Yes I agree with those suggesting not to refill batteries until after charging. I also do not charge my batteries overnight because I fear the automatic shutoff from the charger might become defective and create a fire. So I only recharge during the day I am interested in learning if anyone is getting better than 3-4 years on their batteries and if so the brand name. I have gone through three sets of batteries in four years and they were suppose to be the best Trojans???? Any suggestions?

Rubicon,
If you are keeping your batteries charged and using distilled water to keep the water level above the plates I am thinking your charger may not be working properly. Batteries should last a lot longer than yours are.
Bob

[RichieLion]

1. Use only distilled water

2. Fill to correct level after charging, ONLY

3. Correct level is 1/2 inch above elements (use a popsicle stick and draw a line at 1/2 inch)

4. Check your battery connections to make sure they're still tight and so each battery is
being used properly and being charged properly.

5.Do this at least once a month.

6. When charging cart after use, wait at least 20 minutes to let batteries COOL DOWN.
This will save you a lot of headaches.

I've followed these procedures for 2 years with my older cart and 1 1/2 years with my newer, and my batteries are in pristine condition and I've never boiled over and take each cart over 50 miles on a charge and probably more if I wanted to chance it.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE IF ALL THAT'S NECESSARY

[Barefoot]

Here are a couple ways to extend golf cart battery life. (1) A voltage reducer which reduces 48 volts to 12 volts or 36 volts to 12 volts. A voltage reducer will use all your batteries (48 volts or 36 volts) and reduce the voltage to 12 volts for your 12 volt accessories. In this way, ALL your batteries are used equally. In many carts, two 6 volt batteries in a 36 volt system are used to obtain 12 volts for your lights, turn signals, horn etc. In a 48 volt system, two 8 volt batteries are used with a 16 volt to 12 volt reducer or two 8 volt batteries, producing 16 volts are used causing very bright lights and bright tail lights, some to the point of melting tail light lenses. These two batteries are constantly being used to feed the 12 volt electrical system and never get charged back up to what the other batteries are. It is very common to see these two batteries fail prematurely. Cost: approximately $169.95 (2) Another way is to install a battery desulphator such as a Battery Life Saver (BLS) or other desulphator brands. This device produces a radio frequency through the battery plates and removes the sulphur crystals. Reports are that this will extend the life of your battery by keeping the plates clean. Cost: approximately $139.95. (3) Keep your batteries charged! Golf cart deep cycle batteries love to be charged! djv

I'd like to hear your comments on gel batteries that don't need water.