We have 2 8D' for engine batteries and 2 8D's for house batteries. When plugged in to shore power, merge is always on as per Newell recommendation.
I check H2O levels every 4-6 weeks. I have one house battery that has been consistently taking 2-3 times more H2O than the other 3 batteries. All 6 cells are maintaining equal H2O levels in this battery. Any ideas?
That battery may have a bad cell. Use a hydrometer to,check each cell and see if one is weak. If it has a bad cell, it will generate more heat during the charge.. If it does have a bad cell, it's best to go ahead and replace. Eventually one bad battery will trick the charger into frying the rest of them and/or your alternator
Good explanation Richard. I think that's what happened to my batteries last summer. Left it for a month with the charger on and came back to find all 6 were very low on water. Ruined 3 of the 6. Not complaining too much though, forced me to get the Lithiums installed.
At Spearfish Chester had a load tester and we figured out that 3 were bad.
Guys,
What do you say about the caution on the house batteries "Do Not Add Water"?
....this will void warranty etc..
Bob, unless you have changed them, you have sealed AGM batteries. You couldn't add water without drilling a hole in the case. They do not vent, and theoretically cannot lose water.