Date:         Wed, 5 Apr 2006 21:04:57 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Dumb Battery Question
Comments: To: Tom Rowsell <sakow86@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <e1ac36740604051059u17e6fedm2a941d3731d1c627@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Never store a battery in a discharged state, especially in winter. It
WILL freeze at temperatures 32F or below, and that will kill one or more
cells - breaks the plates inside - mechanically disrupts the cell
construction. In fact, the charge level should be checked periodically
during extreme cold to be sure it is remaining up to charge. For winter
storage, remove the battery from the vehicle, check the electrolyte,
charge it to capacity, store in a ventilated area on a non-conductive
surface. Any electrolyte what-so-evr -however small -  on the batteries
surface will provide a pathway for trickle discharge to ground, so be
sure it is sitting on rubber, dry wood, etc.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver x2


Tom Rowsell wrote:

>After a long winter's nap, I'm trying to charge my Westy battery, but it's
>not charging. If 5 of the 6 cells are "bubbling" and the last one isn't, can
>I assume a dead cell?
>
>Tom
>
>
>
>