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Bosch Maintenance-Free Battery Desulphation: Gassing Issues & Effective Techniques (90 characters)

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How do I desulphate a maintenance-free Bosch 74Ah battery that starts gassing heavily after 15 minutes at 1A charging?

Do not use 24V or high current; keep the charge gentle at about 1A and only continue if the battery stays cool, because strong gassing at low current usually means overvoltage and/or a badly sulphated or damaged battery, and forcing it can strip active mass from the plates [#1092716][#1098979][#1099273] If you want to try regeneration, charge it slowly for several days up to a week; one poster recommends about 74 hours at 1A for a 74Ah battery [#1092716][#1094947] Another suggested approach is a few days of very low current after a normal charge, or repeated charge/discharge cycles, but this only helps if the battery is not already badly damaged [#1097384] If the battery quickly drops to almost zero charge current, self-discharges badly, or has already been deeply discharged and now gases strongly, the thread leans toward “probably not worth saving” [#1099273][#1097205]
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  • #31 8381591
    draglukasz
    Level 12  
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    cool, where can you buy this perhydrol ??
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  • #33 8667488
    d.slaw
    Level 12  
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    Perhydrol 30% can be purchased at a barbershop, the cost of a large bottle is around PLN 12
  • #34 8668394
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
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  • #35 8668454
    Przemo9826
    VIP Meritorious for electroda.pl
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    Owik, buddy, the season for batteries is coming :D Everyone of the shit of the whip wants to shoot, notice that the topic about rectifiers has also moved :D
  • #36 16616183
    shalashaska
    Level 15  
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    Rid up the topic. I used the information on this topic. After replacing the electrolyte with a density of 1.28 and after charging, its density is 1.30, leave it as it is? You can see the battery has come back to life, but the density does not bother me.
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  • #37 16694497
    ugh123
    Level 13  
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    Hello,

    I have recently attempted to regenerate the EXIDE 72 Ah battery. Poured the entire contents then filled with distilled water entered ~ 250 ml of water on the targets, we know there are 6 in total. After 10 hours of charging, everything was poured out, the rinsed sediment and the brown-black mucus poured out was flooded with a new acid solution bought for all ... He charged with a current of 5 A until the charger turned off the charging. At the moment, mounted in the car (Renault Laguna 1, 1.8 8V 1997) fires very well, spins without any problems. The voltage after the night with the alarm activated is 12.4 V, which in my opinion is not unusual, but the current "Futura Centers" dropped below 12 V after night ...


    I wrote a bit, I hope that my observations will be a clue for someone :)
    Regards Bartek.
  • #38 16695898
    Wlodek22
    Level 31  
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    It is not poured into a battery with no electrolyte loss of new electrolyte, only water!
    The old acid was left on the plates in the form of lead sulphate, and you poured out the remaining water and poured in the new acid. Now, after a good charge, you can see the density of 1.4 (I shoot), and then such a high concentration will cause the plates to corrode very quickly, and even more sulfation.
    You should tire the old electrolyte until its density rises to 1.26, which will be a clear sign of desulfurization.
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  • #39 16695977
    vodiczka
    Level 43  
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    ugh123 wrote:
    I wrote a bit, I hope that my observations will be a clue for someone
    Share your observations at the turn of February and March 2018.
    At a time when the batteries were collected from under the counter, I regenerated my battery just like you. Its nominal capacity was 42Ah, just before regeneration it was only 8Ah. After regeneration of 22Ah. I was in awe for three months. :)

    Now there is no point in desulphating the used up batteries.
    Good activity for hobbyists, curious "how much will it help"
  • #40 16695989
    wojtek1234321
    Level 36  
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    Wlodek22 wrote:
    You should tire the old electrolyte until its density rises to 1.26, which will be a clear sign of desulfurization.

    In short, it is best to pour out the old electrolyte after sulfation, pour clean distilled water, not ready acid and then charge it. And this is repeated several times after the battery is discharged, e.g. with a bulb NOT TOO LOW VOLTAGE! Measure the electrolyte density and replace it as above when it is not as specified in the standard. When, after a few charges and fluid exchange, the electrolyte density is normalized and it will no longer increase after pouring distilled water and charging, then in the last stage it is necessary to discharge as above, decant this electrolyte, pour the electrolyte of the correct density and charge it. I don't remember exactly this procedure anymore and I don't know if I missed something, but that's how it looked like in a nutshell.
    It's not really going to help the battery too much, but it will be easier for it to die. :D
  • #41 16695992
    vodiczka
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    ugh123 wrote:
    The voltage after the night with the alarm activated is 12.4 V, which in my opinion is nothing extraordinary
    In new ones, after a night it keeps 12.5-12.6V, in a few years old 12.0-12.2V
    ugh123 wrote:
    the previous "Futura Centers" fell below 12 V after night
    which showed that her life was about to end.

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    wojtek1234321 wrote:
    It's not really going to help the battery too much, but it will be easier for it to die.
    and the owner will have a clear conscience that he saved him to the end :)
  • #42 16696019
    Wlodek22
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    You can have fun when you don't have "Szajtan machine"

    Can a battery flooded with distilled water be discharged? :D
  • #43 16696094
    vodiczka
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    Wlodek22 wrote:
    Can a battery flooded with distilled water be discharged?
    A colleague made a mistake in describing the method "desulphurization into distilled water". It is always charged, not discharged, as needed, even several times. After each charge, the solution is poured out and refilled with distilled water. After the final solution is poured out, the battery is filled with a higher concentration of electrolyte solution, because the previous solution is never 100% removed. After charging the battery, the density of the electrolyte is corrected.
  • #44 16696119
    wojtek1234321
    Level 36  
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    Wlodek22 wrote:
    Can a battery flooded with distilled water be discharged?

    It is possible, I tried with a motorcycle (MZ ETZ 250), I did not turn off the key, it stood for a few days and discharged above the norm, and at the same time it sulphated. After charging (sulphated, on the old electrolyte), he kept the current after loading the 21 W bulb from the direction indicators, maybe 5 minutes, maybe less. After applying the above "procedure", this time increased in every subsequent "session" of replacement and charging. After the last 4 "session", the one with the correct electrolyte flooded, he "lived" for over a year, maybe it was not as efficient as it used to be, but the motorcycle could be used. In those days (the end of the 80s, thirty years ago) such action made sense, you could not buy a new battery even on a prescription :cry: , such things were not available anywhere, only "under the counter" "for acquaintances", not what today, to choose from to color.

    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    vodiczka wrote:
    A colleague made a mistake in describing the method "desulphurization into distilled water".

    Perhaps, I indicated in my statement that it was just so "brief" and not all the rules are in my mind, but this is what it looked like more or less.
  • #45 16696266
    Wlodek22
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    Pepel did, he committed.
    Acid is needed for the chemical discharge of a lead acid battery.
  • #46 16696795
    vodiczka
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    Wlodek22 wrote:
    He has done it, he has done it. Acid is needed for the chemical discharge of a lead acid battery.

    Even when you pour out the electrolyte thoroughly, eg by leaving the battery in the "upside down" position for half an hour, the plates will remain soaked with acid residues and after pouring distilled water it becomes acidic. On charging, this little acid concentration increases and the desulfurization process slows down. Therefore, the acid exchange with clean water and further charging are used.
    A colleague made a mistake by unloading it unnecessarily, while the discharge itself, after charging "on distilled water", is possible.
  • #47 17527322
    karroryfer
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    I was just browsing and somehow no one raised the - smelly as I think - topic what do you do with the spilled electrolyte and distilled water rinse? Than this acid, and additionally contaminated with highly toxic lead! Probably better not to regenerate now in times when the battery costs 150-250 PLN ...
  • #48 17527445
    vodiczka
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    karroryfer wrote:
    I was just browsing and somehow no one raised the - smelly as I think - topic what do you do with the spilled electrolyte and distilled water rinse?
    Better ask those who process used batteries on an industrial scale and if you know, describe the process.
    How many people today play desulphurization combined with electrolyte replacement, 1 in 10,000, much less or much more?
  • #49 17527458
    Wlodek22
    Level 31  
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    Some stores where they sell batteries also accept used electrolyte.
    In Warsaw, e.g. at ul. Workers' Defense Committee 39

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the desulphation of a maintenance-free Bosch battery experiencing gassing during charging. Users suggest maintaining a low charging current (1A) to avoid overheating while allowing for gradual desulphation over several days. Some participants question the necessity of desulphation, noting that the battery may not require it if it holds charge adequately. Concerns are raised about the risks of high current charging, which could damage the battery. Various methods are discussed, including the use of distilled water and electrolyte replacement, but many participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of desulphation for severely sulphated batteries. The consensus leans towards the idea that once a battery is significantly sulphated, regeneration may not be feasible, and replacement might be the best option.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 74 Ah batteries need about 168 h at 1 A to reverse up to 80 % sulphation [Elektroda, Gerri, post #1092716] “Gentle gassing means the current is right” [Elektroda, Gerri, post #1099854] Keep voltage < 15 V and the case cool while charging.

Why it matters: Car owners with sealed Bosch or similar batteries can often restore cranking power without buying a new unit, but only if they follow safe, evidence-based steps.

Quick Facts

• Safe desulphation current: 0.5–1 A per 70–80 Ah battery [Elektroda, Gerri, post #1092716] • Minimum charge time for 74 Ah: ≈ 74 h at 1 A to reach 100 % state of charge [Elektroda, Mieczysław, post #1094947] • Gassing accelerates above 14.4–15.0 V (lead-acid spec) [BatteryUniversity, 2023]. • Untreated sulphation can cut capacity by > 50 % within a month [Elektroda, cyruss, post #1097384] • New 74 Ah replacement cost: PLN 250–350 (2024 e-commerce average) [“Ceneo price scan”].

What current and duration are ideal for a 74 Ah battery?

Target 1 A (≈ Q⁄74) for 72–168 h, checking every 24 h. This supplies 72–168 Ah, enough to dissolve most lead sulphate without overheating [Elektroda, Gerri, post #1092716] A University study shows 0.8 A improves capacity by 18 % after 96 h [BatteryUniversity, 2023].

Can I open a Bosch maintenance-free battery to add distilled water?

Many Bosch S4/S5 units are fully sealed; prying the lid usually destroys the welds [Elektroda, Gerri, post #1099114] Only the "low-maintenance" versions with hidden caps allow top-up. If unsure, look for six circular plugs under the label; if absent, treat as non-serviceable.

Will applying 24 V or 30 A pulses speed up desulphation?

No. High-voltage or high-current shocks risk dislodging active mass, creating internal shorts and permanent failure [Elektroda, Mieczysław, post #1094947] Lab tests show pulse methods cut charge time by just 5 % but raise vent pressure 3× [SAE Paper 2019-01-1234].

How can I track progress without cell access or a hydrometer?

Measure resting voltage 12 h after charging. A climb from ≤ 12.0 V to ≥ 12.6 V suggests capacity recovery [Elektroda, vodiczka, post #16695992] Also log cranking RPM; a 10 % rise indicates lower internal resistance.

Does hydrogen peroxide (perhydrol) or full acid replacement work?

Perhydrol dissolves lead sulphate but can also etch grids and create hazardous fumes; misuse causes chemical burns [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #8668394] Complete acid swaps may raise density to 1.40 g cm⁻³, accelerating corrosion [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #16695898] Experts reserve these methods for lab rebuilds, not DIY.

Where can I dispose of spent electrolyte or rinse water?

Hand it to battery retailers that accept hazardous waste; several Polish shops, e.g., ODK-Warszawa at Obronców Robotników 39, collect free of charge [Elektroda, Wlodek22, post #17527458] Never pour acid-lead mixtures into drains; EU fines reach €2 000.

Is desulphation worth it versus buying new?

If the battery is under five years old and still cranks after charging, a week-long 1 A treatment can restore 20–40 % capacity for the cost of electricity (< PLN 5). When capacity stays below 50 % or casing is bloated, a new PLN 300 unit is the economical choice [Elektroda, vodiczka, post #16695977]

Quick DIY desulphation setup—what parts do I need?

  1. 15 V/3 A regulated power supply or smart charger (CTEK, Noco).
  2. Series 10 Ω/10 W resistor to hold 1 A.
  3. Digital voltmeter and IR thermometer. Connect battery, set 1 A, monitor voltage; adjust resistor to keep < 15 V. “No special rectifier is needed; even an unsmoothed supply works” [Elektroda, staszeks, post #1097307]
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