What is Desulfating a battery?
The lead sulfate crystals are broken down (more or less successfully) in the charge cycle. Sometimes some crystals remain, or sometimes a battery is left partially discharged where the crystals of lead sulfate harden, and reduce the capacity of the battery to be charged. This is what desulfation (desulphation)is about.
What is a Desulfator battery charger?
A desulfator charger determines your battery’s health and sulfation level, then attempts to restore the battery’s lost capacity. These devices usually work by using a high-frequency current pulse to loosen the sulfates and allow them to dissipate into the battery.
How can you tell if a battery is sulfated?
If the battery cannot reach higher than 10.5 volts when being charged, then the battery has a dead cell. If the battery is fully charged (according to the battery charger) but the voltage is 12.5 or less, the battery is sulfated. Sulfation is the natural byproduct when the battery discharged.
Can you reverse battery sulfation?
Reversible sulfation can often be corrected by applying an overcharge to an already fully charged battery in the form of a regulated current of about 200mA. The battery terminal voltage is allowed to rise to between 2.50 and 2.66V/cell (15 and 16V on a 12V mono block) for about 24 hours.
What does Epsom salt do to a lead acid battery?
Take note; Magnesium sulfate is highly soluble in water. With this, lead metal is gradually restored and removed around the plates. Overall, the Epsom salt solution helps in the desulfation process and serves as a good conductor for current.
Can you fix a sulfated battery?
A sulfated battery is the most common malady of a dead battery, but as long as an used lead acid battery is mechanically sound, a sulfated battery can be revived.
What does battery sulfation look like?
The most common sign of a sulfated battery is one that will not charge very well, or simply refuses to charge at all. If you suspect your electronic accessories are not receiving enough amperage (weak a/c, dim headlights) it is a strong sign that your battery is sulfated.
Does reconditioning a battery work?
More crystals mean longer charging times, less efficiency, and lower charge capacity. Reconditioning, or refurbishing, a battery cleans off these sulfates, replenishes the electrolyte solution within, and allows the battery to recharge and function like new.