Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Bruce- I am assuming you are using the "wet-cell" setting on the Vector. Also with wet cell batteries you have to be carefull that you periodically replenish the electrolyte that boils off in the recharge cycle with distilled water. Alway check the levels before charging.
Any time you add water to a wet cell battery you need to put it through a recharge cycle before checking the electrolyte specific gravity (SG). This allows the water to fully mix into the existing the electrolyte.
Plates that are exposed to air will appear whiter than those submerged in electrolyte. Were you actually looking at the top of the plates, i.e., they were not covered with electrolyte. I don't know of many folks that could visually recognize sulphation of the plates, i.e., they actually look thicker because of the lead sulphate.
Most importantly is immediately recharging them after use, if you don't then you risk sulfating the plates.
Take it back to Walmart or where ever you bought it and have them test it. Actually you may have a connection problem and not a battery problem, i.e., because the charger is not indicating a problem. Dissassenble and clean & re-tighten all the connections. A faulty connection may let the battery recharge normally, but not discharge normally, i.e., because you are connecting the portable charger directly to the battery terminals.
Also - over winter/when not in use you should recharge them ~ every 30 days. Some manufacturer's say 90 days, but I always use 30 days.
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 8/7/2007 11:06 AM
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