How to Refurbish Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep cycle batteries, also called lead-acid batteries, are what many people use in their recreational vehicles, such as a camper or boat. They are ideal for situations in which a vehicle needs a lot of power for a minimal amount of time. Most deep cycle batteries are 6 or 12 volt, and it is important to figure out which voltage before starting the refurbish process.

All batteries eventually run out of life; they lose the ability to recharge when needed. Most people just go out and buy a new one when this happens; however, there are ways to refurbish a deep cycle battery and keep it running longer.

Clean the Deep Cycle Battery

As batteries age, they corrode. The white powder that appears on the exterior is toxic, so owners must wash it off before doing anything. Be sure to put on a plastic pair of gloves before beginning the process. It is also necessary to put on an apron, disposable mask, and eye protection.

To start out, mix a pound of baking soda with a gallon of water. This is necessary because the soda renders the battery acid harmless. If the battery is excessively dirty and greasy, add some dish soap to the mixture.

Next, remove the battery terminals with two wrenches of the appropriate size. Once they are off, use a toothbrush and the soap solution to clean the terminal and the clamps thoroughly. When this is complete, wipe down the whole battery and examine it for cracks or damage. Dry the battery and then lubricate the terminals with petroleum jelly or a commercial protection spray before re-attaching the clamps.

Remove the Battery Cell Covers

Once the battery is clean, it is time to start refurbishing it. Get a screwdriver, and remove the battery cell covers. Needle-nose pliers can help with this process as well. Be sure to wear the safety glasses during this because each cell contains battery acid. The acid burns skin and eats through clothing. Be careful not to let any dirt or debris get into the cells. Keep a rag close by to wipe up any messes.

Fill the Cells With Water

Fill each cell with distilled water. Do not put too little water in because the hydrogen and oxygen left inside the cell can explode once sparked later on. Make sure it is distilled water because tap water is not pure and the minerals it contains can corrode the inside of the battery. Use a small bottle or a funnel to put the water in. Be extremely careful not to overfill a cell because the water that spills out now contains acid. How much water to put in depends entirely on the size of the battery and how low the levels of acid are.

Hook the Deep Cycle Battery up to a Radiant Energy Battery Rejuvenator

Filling the battery cells with water does not automatically make the battery work. If it would not charge with a conventional battery charger, then it cannot charge even with the water in it. This is usually because of damage to the battery plates from being continually heated. In order to fix this problem, owners need a radiant energy battery rejuvenator. These rejuvenators pulsate radiant energy through the battery plates and break up the sulfate buildup. Without the sulfate on the battery plates, the deep cycle battery is rechargeable again. Keep in mind that if the battery plates are severely inhibited, then it could take several times of running the radiant energy battery rejuvenator before the process is successful.

Test the Deep Cycle Battery's Voltage

After charging the battery, get a digital voltmeter to see how much charge it is holding. Next, let the battery sit for a few days and then check the charge again. If it is holding the same amount of volts, then it should be ready to use. After installing it on a motor, continually check it to see how it is holding up.

The convenient thing about this process is that people can get dried-up batteries from friends and family who no longer want them and then recharge them. Shoppers can also pick up used ones for cheap online and recharge them anytime they need a new battery.

How to Buy Tools to Refurbish Deep Cycle Batteries

Refurbishing deep cycle batteries is a fairly straightforward process and only requires some simple tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and protective gear. You can find all of these on eBay and even get some items in bulk. For example, instead of buying a single, disposable mask, get a box of them to use for future projects. You can find anything you need by typing the product name into the eBay search bar. For example, if you look for a " radiant energy battery rejuvenator", a list of these products pops up for you to browse through. Compare the items, the prices, the shipping charges, and each seller's reviews. If you do not find anything that sparks your interest, just keep checking back because sellers list new items every day.