House Batteries bulging

Rmellen · 12-06-2009, 02:40 PM

While doing some maint. on our battery compartment I noticed the 6 volt house batteries are bulging on the top and sides. Is that normal or should I replace them? They are six years old.

walkingplow · 12-06-2009, 03:43 PM

Six years is starting to get old!! If all is working correctly you don't need to change but I would start "shopping"!!

Dav5942 · 12-06-2009, 05:52 PM

They are "cooked", replace them!

**NLOVNIT** · 12-06-2009, 07:37 PM

Wiki gave an answer for bulging batteries. Even if no other issues, I'd replace as 6yo batteries are near or at the end of their useful life anyway.

Lori-

CharlieM · 12-23-2009, 01:42 PM

It could be both "cooking" and/or freezing. If the batteries deep discharge they can freeze, this expands the case and usually causes a short in the battery. The short will eventually discharge the cell it is in and the rest of the battery will cook trying to charge it. It will also only carry a "float charge" that will rapidly disipate.