Can 10 year old marine battery be charged?

Question

I have a 10 year old boat battery that was used once. Would it be possible to charge it or is it junk?

Answer 1

Best answer is maybe.

Throw a charger on it and see if it takes a charge.

Answer 2

It depends on the condition of the plates.  Sulfation can occur from lack of electrolyte (acid and water) or misuse or overheating, so if the plates have a furry build-up on them then it's doubtful you'll get it to hold a charge.  Cracked or otherwise damaged plates will never hold a sufficient charge.

My suggestion is to put it on trickle charge for 24 hours, then do a load test by attaching it to an engine and try cranking for a few seconds, then check the battery using a volt meter.  The meter should read 11.5-13.5 volts DC before the load test and 10.5-12.5 VDC after the load test.

Oh, and the other guy is right, only use distilled water to increase the level enough to cover the plates.  Do NOT overfill.

Answer 3

No chance. Batteries left in a state of discharge build up lead sulphate on the battery plates. This buildup effectively stops the plates from contacting the electrolyte (battery acid) Its a barrier that will diminish the battery capacity. After 10 years, It will be well past ruined. Just one or 2 deep discharges can ruin a battery.

Answer 4

As you know, these batteries self-discharge over time.  The process of discharging a lead acid battery causes sulfur particles to collect on the plates.  Recharging converts the particles back into sulfuric acid.  Left in a discharged state for any period of time, the sulfur hardens into crystals, a process known as "sulfation".  Sulfur crystals aren't reconverted by a normal recharging process.

Sometimes a battery can be "desulfated", it involves about 24 hours of hi-voltage pulses.

I have a charger I got at Sam's Club for about $45 that has a "desulfate" mode -- tried it on two batteries, didn't help a bit.  Doesn't mean it can't be done, though.

Answer 5

You can charge it but it probably won't hold the charge for long. I'd trade it in and get a new one. They should give you $5.00 or so on a trade in.

When it comes to water safety, don't rely on a battery that old.

Answer 6

by a new one cheapo trash it no turn it in

Answer 7

Either way, but probably junk, if it hasn't been drained, recharged & maintained for some period.  Deep cycles, which are designed to deliver steady power slowly as opposed to spikes demanding quick recharge,  need use, yet they have a history of lasting a long time, so try to recharge, note how long it takes, over 12 hours, 24? - and see if it can power anything for hours, such as any 12V accessory you may have, or a bulb from the car, whatever.

Answer 8

It is doubtful that it will be any good. It can be tested to see what value it is.

Answer 9

It can't hurt to try, charge it slowly. Make sure it is filled up with distilled water. If it was only used once you could have a shot since it was not run thru many cycles.