How do I refresh my batteries that been sitting for some 3 yrs?

[Takeum]

I have charged them and it seems they just won't come up to full charge with my inboard chargers, they get to the last bar and they don't fully charge,,,,, Is there a way to give them a boost charge of some sort to regenerate them or do I need to think about replacement already. They were brand new before they sat . they are series 31 die yards platinums ,,, very expensive batteries at 250 plus each,,,,

["G"]

Time for new ones.....sitting around for three years not being maintained will kill them

[Takeum]

Wow G,,,, even if they are AMG type batteries? I will have to get them checked out,,,, stinks that they aren't charging fully,,,, is there a way to add an additional charger to see if I can peak them? I am charging two TM batteries with the one two bank charger,,, maybe add 1 additional charger to see if they will peak?

[skiptomylu]

Go to the Optima site and read what they have to say about recovering dead batteries. Not sure it will help, but I know they have some info.

["D"]

They will be zombies if they make it!! Brought back from the dead. Gotta keep them charged.

[Hoosier Hog Daddy]

I have the sears pm-1 marines also and have one that is 3 1/2 yrs old and not charging to full voltage which should be around 12.8 V. Mine is reading 12.36 after sitting for 12 hrs. I made a post in the battery tech tips thread today and you can look at some info I have included from the odyssey web site , but what I have found out is that you need to use a 40 amp or better charger to recover these ....if recoverable. You can find detailed info in the odyssey web site under literature and look at the odyssey manual and also tech manual. Good reading there. The sears looks to be an odyssey 31-pcm2150 battery...so look for information on that.

Odyssey makes a 3 bank 50 amp charger specifically for these batteries that runs around $317 or so. The literature specifically said the charger should run between 14.2 and 14.7 volts when charging and anything 15 or over could make the battery vent hydrogen gas....eg specifically warning against some of those roll around automotive quick chargers that run over 15 V. I guess you should see if a sears outlet could do the 50 amp charge and then test them for you....or otherwise buy the specific charger that does 50 amp.

If you find out more or are successful , let us know the results. I did read where the batteries could sit for 2 yrs float and not need charged...eg long shelf life.

HHD

[Takeum]

Thanks y'all,mm great information,,,,

[Okie Bob]

There is a new device on the market called a 'PulseTech' charger. It is only a 1 amp charger and its main function in life is that it produces a very high frequency pulse to the battery and removes the sulfates that form on the battery plates. They are not expensive and can't be used for quick charging. I have one that I use after my battery is charged just to keep it in good shape. They claim they took 36 dead lead acid batteries from the Arlington, TX county shop and renewed every one of them! My best buddy has had a WaveRunner for many years. He was always replacing batteries after no more than 18 months. Bought one of these at BatteryPlus for $35 or so and his battery is now going on 5 years! Only reason I know about them is a customer of mine had done some consulting for them in Dallas and told me about them and gave me one with a solar charger to put on my boat. Worth a try and I'm not involved with the company in anyway, in fact, I'm retired.

[jimp]

Check out Batteryminder as well, similar to what OkieBob is saying. I've got a couple of 'em and they do work IMO. I use 'em over the winter time, and even during the fishing season after I have charged the batteries with the onboard charger, then I hook the batteryminders up for maint during the week or till the next trip.

[Takeum]

Come to find out my 2 bank charger for my trolling batteries isn't working correctly,,, 1 bank now fails to come on and the other never fully charges,mm it's an International prochargers and from I'm told they are wayyyyy under powered for the 31m batteries,,,, it's only a 2 bank 10 amp charger and from I'm told that the sears 31m platinums need at least a 40 amp charger,,, so In now looking at the Sterling procharge ultra which carries a 5 year warrenty and costs less them most any 3 bank charger out there at only 320 dollars,,