How to Restore Golf Cart Batteries
Golf cart batteries are "deep cycle" lead acid batteries. They differ from cars' lead acid batteries in that their plates are thicker and fewer in number. They therefore don't get as pitted and warped when deeply discharged as car batteries do. With less surface area, they don't delivery energy quickly, and are therefore better for discharging over time instead of the sudden burst needed for starting an engine. Like starter batteries, deep-cycle batteries also experience "sulfation," the coating of the lead plates with sulfur ions from the electrolyte, or battery acid. This impairs its ability to hold a charge.
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Things You'll Need
- Epsom salts
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Battery charger
- Drill
- Three-step recharger
- Hole caps
- Plastic funnel
Instructions
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1
Put on protective gloves because of possible acid burns. Remove the battery cables and move the battery somewhere well-ventilated for you to work.
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2
Remove the plastic cell caps on top, if the battery has them. Otherwise, you'll have to drill a hole in each of the three cells. You'll see where to drill on the plastic top of the battery because each cell will have "shadow marks." At the end, you'll plug them with "hole caps," available at most hardware stores.
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3
Heat a quart of distilled water to approximately 150 degrees F---somewhere between boiling and lukewarm. Tap water won't suffice, since the minerals in it can coat the battery plates.
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4
Mix 10 tbsp. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) into the heated water.
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Pour the salt solution into funnels in each of the three holes in the top of the battery. Fill them to the level marked on the battery.
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Use the charger that came with the battery to return it to a full charge. If your battery managed to discharge, there may be something wrong with your charger. Consider a replacement that is an upgrade--for example, one that uses a float standby once the battery is fully charged, avoiding overcharging.
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Tips & Warnings
Add the salt solution every six weeks---more frequently in hot weather--since exposure of the plates to air leads to sulfation.
