Those small batteries are not very forgiving.
Low electrolyte destroys batteries in multiple ways. The plates that get
exposed oxidize. The electrolyte at the bottom is overly concentrated acid
so the bottoms of the plates also get destroyed. Time for a new battery.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
pat
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 2:13 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: NVC Small battery question

Or maybe better said, a question about a small battery.

Not for a Vanagon, but I hope to garner some list wisdom and maybe help
someone else with the knowledge in the future.

I have an ATV/motorsport battery (9BS) that is acting strange.

It shows 12.6V at rest, but drops to about 0.13V when any load is applied,
even a 12V lightbulb.

I popped the caps and the electrolyte was very low in all the cells.  The
plates looked pretty clean so I bought some battery acid and filled it up.

Gave it a 2amp charge until indicated fully charged, about 4-5 hours later.
Now my test light burns bright- promising.

However, when installed in my motorcycle, it cranks half a turn and dies.

So, the battery is probably damaged even though the inside looks pretty
good, from what I can see.

Just thought maybe someone here has some experience with bringing batteries
like this back to life.

Any help or advice before I buy a new battery is appreciated.