From tractors to golf carts

[The Dougster]

Yup... I bought a used golf cart (electric) to park next to my 'Bota and sure enough, I have a problem... Apparently, the cart had just enough charge on it to test drive for the next sucker that comes along... well, I was that sucker and didn't spend enough time checking out the cart... The darn thing won't charge up... better described, it won't hold a charge.... Checking it out, I discover the batteries cells are bone dry... My questions are: Will adding water to the cells bring the batteries back to life? Each battery, there are six of them, have four portals on top for checking/adding water... does this mean they are eight volt batteries?
As you might have imagined, I am clueless when it comes to golf carts.. lol

 

[J_J]

Yup... I bought a used golf cart (electric) to park next to my 'Bota and sure enough, I have a problem... Apparently, the cart had just enough charge on it to test drive for the next sucker that comes along... well, I was that sucker and didn't spend enough time checking out the cart... The darn thing won't charge up... better described, it won't hold a charge.... Checking it out, I discover the batteries cells are bone dry... My questions are: Will adding water to the cells bring the batteries back to life? Each battery, there are six of them, have four portals on top for checking/adding water... does this mean they are eight volt batteries?
As you might have imagined, I am clueless when it comes to golf carts.. lol

In general, no. However, it depends on the amount of lead sulfate that has settled in the bottom, and maybe shorting the grids. I have heard that some people have dumped out the contents, washed out most or all of the lead sulfate, and put acid back in, and water, and it helped somewhat. A set of batteries now days will run about $425 to $600. If they have only been dry for a little while, maybe. I would try and slow charge them for a couple of days, and just see what happens. Clean all the terminals real good, and use distilled water. Good Luck .

As far as the required voltage, look on the charger label .

 

[cowboy357]

Yup... I bought a used golf cart (electric) to park next to my 'Bota and sure enough, I have a problem... Apparently, the cart had just enough charge on it to test drive for the next sucker that comes along... well, I was that sucker and didn't spend enough time checking out the cart... The darn thing won't charge up... better described, it won't hold a charge.... Checking it out, I discover the batteries cells are bone dry... My questions are: Will adding water to the cells bring the batteries back to life? Each battery, there are six of them, have four portals on top for checking/adding water... does this mean they are eight volt batteries?
As you might have imagined, I am clueless when it comes to golf carts.. lol

The Dougster I,m not sure on the 4 fill holes . But everyone I ever seen takes 6 , 6volt batterys which makes it a 36V system & takes the correct type charger .

We have an old Harley Davidson cart & I do have to add water every so often beause frequent charging tends to boilt the water out of them , But I,ve never had them run dry, I,d say theres a good chance if there the correct batterys ( deep cycle ) theres a good chance refilling them with distilled water ( thats what I was allways told to use ) & with a good charge They might just come back to life . I hope that helps , Best of luck Because Them batterys aint cheap . Bob

 

[FrogLick]

Don't know if you bought from an individual or a dealer and how long ago. If from a reputable dealer you might be able to get some help. If you've not had it long enough to boil the water out then the dealer didn't service the cart properly before delivery to you. Of course the owner who the dealer got it from may not have maintained it properly either. From experience with my cart it would take a long time and a lot of charging to leave the cells as low as you describe. Mine is relatively new (came from a country club) and the special charger that came with it interacts with the cart computer control to assure proper charging - not a typical battery charger. My dealer could tell me the age of both the cart and if the batteries were original or had been replaced and when. If the batteries are 5-6 years old it would probably be worthwhile going ahead and spend the money for a new set. Of course no money lost trying to refill and do an extended slow charge to see if you can bring them back to life.

 

[NSBound]

Here's another resource forum where you might also find some answers - Cartaholics - The Golf Cart Forum for the Cart Enthusiast - Golf Cart Repair

 

[tallyho8]

You have a 48 volt golf cart with six 8 volt batteries. Go ahead and top off the batteries with water and charge them. What do you have to lose? It is not unusual for the water line to drop below the top of the cells in golf carts because you normally charge them a few times a week. My water level frequently gets low and I refill and recharge and the cart runs fairly normally.

I have 2 old 36 volt carts. In my newest one I put 3 12 volt batteries out of my trucks when I put new batteries in my trucks. It is 250 pounds lighter, much faster, charges much faster and needs recharging twice as often.

When they go bad I am going to get 3 new 12v Walmart batteries that have the 3 year replacement guarantee. Most cart batteries only have a 1 year guarantee.

 

[The Dougster]

I knew I could count on you guys to be of help... The cart will be used at the ranch and only on weekends for relatively short periods... To be honest with you, I really, really hate to sink several hundred more dollars into this thing but that's another story for another time...
Next weekend will be the next time I will have an opportunity to put the charger back on and see if adding water has been helpful.. we'll see, we'll see...

Tallyho, it sounds like you are speaking my language..... Last week, while cooling my heels at Wal Mart getting a tire mounted, I happened to be looking at the batteries and noticed that WM has a 12-volt deep cycle marine battery for $75... 3 X $75= $225, American.... a lot of money for sure but that beats the heck out of the $600 someone suggested... When it comes to being a cheepskate, I'm near the top of the list. lol Again, thanks a lot.

 

[tallyho8]

Tallyho, it sounds like you are speaking my language..... Last week, while cooling my heels at Wal Mart getting a tire mounted, I happened to be looking at the batteries and noticed that WM has a 12-volt deep cycle marine battery for $75... 3 X $75= $225, American.... a lot of money for sure but that beats the heck out of the $600 someone suggested... When it comes to being a cheepskate, I'm near the top of the list. lol Again, thanks a lot.

I believe your cart is 48 volts and will need 4 12 volt batteries.

 

[kenstrac]

I would also use distilled water!

 

[The Dougster]

Tallyho wrote:

<"I believe your cart is 48 volts and will need 4 12 volt batteries.">

Yessir, I knew that but was thinking "cheep"... again, I appreciate your input..

 

[wushaw]

My neighbor picked up a cart that had dry batteries, I filled em, broke out the trickle charger on each individually and they went six months before he was ready to change them out. They would not hold a charge for as long as good batteries but @ 90.00 each what do you have to loose...

 

[Thumper & Buttercup]

My Dad is an old motorcycle guy and he used to use Red Lye to bring a battery back to life. He put a little in each cell, then let it set a little while. He then dumped and flushed it out then put in new acid. He said it worked everytime.

 

[The Dougster]

What is Red Lye and where does one find it? lol

 

[Thumper & Buttercup]

Sorry, that's what Dad always called it and I did not correct it.


Here you go "Sodium Hydroxide - red devil lye"

 

[J_J]

REVIVE LEAD ACID BATTERIES

 

[kenstrac]

I really don't think you should even think of using this I personally have seen what it will do to a person alone, never mind mixing with an acid it would erupt.

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NIOSH Publication 2005-149
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards September 2005
NPG Home | Introduction | Synonyms & Trade Names | Chemical Names | CAS Numbers | RTECS Numbers | Appendices | Search
Sodium hydroxide CAS 1310-73-2
NaOH RTECS WB4900000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Caustic soda, Lye, Soda lye, Sodium hydrate DOT ID & Guide
1823 154 (dry, solid)
1824 154 (solution)
Exposure
Limits NIOSH REL: C 2 mg/m3
OSHA PEL? TWA 2 mg/m3
IDLH 10 mg/m3 See: 1310732 Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless to white, odorless solid (flakes, beads, granular form).
MW: 40.0
BP: 2534ï½°F
MLT: 605ï½°F
Sol: 111%

VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: 2.13

Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA


Noncombustible Solid, but when in contact with water may generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Water; acids; flammable liquids; organic halogens; metals such as aluminum, tin & zinc; nitromethane [Note: Corrosive to metals.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7401
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation (See protection codes)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 10 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow modeï½£
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 25) Any powered air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.ï½£
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters./Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; pneumonitis; eye, skin burns; temporary loss of hair
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system

See also: INTRODUCTION See ICSC CARD: 0360 See MEDICAL TESTS: 0210



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[The Dougster]

Lemme see if I can remember back more years than I care to think about.. Never add water to acid! Hmmm or was it the other way around? lol

 

[NSBound]

MW: 40.0
BP: 2534ｰF
MLT: 605ｰF
Sol: 111%

These stats are very disturbing!!

 

[RPW]

Dougster, Go ahead and top off with distilled water, charge and go for it. However if the batteries are toast then like you said get yourself 4 of the deep cycle batteries and drive on.