I've got 2 Numax 110ah Leisure Batteries that I use on my 55lb electric motor. I lent them to my mate over the winter as I wasn't using them and today he tells me that one doesn't seem to hold it's charge and "runs" out pretty quickly. (thanks for telling me mate seeing as the season starts tomorrow!!).

Anyway, the battery has 6 phillips head plastic screws on the top. when I removed the screws the ??cells?? appeared dry inside.

Would I be right in thinking that the battery needs topping up? and if so would I also be right in thinking that de-ionised water is the stuff to top it up with?

Gareth

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If a man speaks in the woods and no woman is there to hear him............is he still wrong????

The plates may be damaged/coated.
Try with distilled water anyway you have nothing to lose.
To charge effectively, a battery must have a residulal charge in it to start the process.
looks like a new battery unless it can be kicked back into life. Some garages have a special charger that puts a charge into dead batteries.

http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery.html

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BROWN TROUT:THE RED SPOTS HAND PAINTED BY GOD

You're probably hosed. As Peter says, fill to the top of the plates with distilled water. Don't overflow the dang thing, just cover the plates as you look inside. The chemicals in that battery are freaking nasty.

Then charge it and see what happens. Can't hurt to try. However, be aware that it may appear to take a charge, but don't let it fool you. What can happen is that as soon as the battery is put under load, it'll go from indicating full charge to dead in about 10 minutes.

BTW, you probably understand now that checking water levels in lead acid batteries is something that needs to be done periodically. Like checking the oil level in your car.

Grouse