Electrolyte indicator in a sealed battery

[stuartwineberg]

The Vetus battery used to turn the genset starter is showing clear on the indicator window. According to the blurb on the top of the battery I should immediately dispose of it and replace it. However it seems to be working fine. What's does all this mean? Is it another example of helpful technology preventing me sticking some distilled water in an otherwise perfectly good battery? Since the genset isn't mission critical I am inclined to hang on till it all stops turning

 

[pvb]

Some years ago, I had the same thing happen. I removed the "magic eye" indicator, and found that the electrolyte level was still way above the tops of the plates. Maintenance-free batteries usually have a good reserve of electrolyte. If your battery is still working satisfactorily, you might well ignore the advice to replace it.

 

[Norman_E]

One of my batteries always shows black instead of green, but continues to work. I think that the indicators in some batteries are really nothing more that a float gauge rather than a hydrometer, which would actually tell you something useful about the condition of the battery.

 

[pmyatt]

I sometimes have this problem with one, or more, of my Delphi Freedom Marine batteries - I just lift them out, shake them around a bit, and put them back. Lo-and-behold, the magic eye is back in the "green". Panic over! This is after 4 years use.

 

[robbieg]

Just give the "eye" a sharp tap-hopefully you will get back to green. If not remove and shake....

 

[jerryat]

[ QUOTE ]
Just give the "eye" a sharp tap-hopefully you will get back to green. If not remove and shake....

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep! That's very often the solution, at least on the Delphi's. Apparently it's something to do with air bubbles becoming trapped above the float. A sharp couple or so taps with the top of your finger usually works!

 

[Appleyard]

Try giving the battery a gentle thump..the floats can sometimes stick. I have to do this regularly on one of the batteries which still shows red after it is fully charged.

 

[ccscott49]

Ignore the bloody things! An abortion at the best of times! Just check the voltage.