Lipo Damage

[785boats]

It's a cumulative effect. If, over the next 6 or so cycles, that area starts to feel really solid & slightly swollen, stop using it. The Lithium is crystalising. Keep a close eye on it if you are going to keep using it.
An Internal Resistance reading in comparison to the other cells in the pack is the best way to estimate the damage.
I hope you are charging in a Lipo sack.

[norbique]

An Internal Resistance reading in comparison to the other cells in the pack is the best way to estimate the damage.

Should the damaged cell show higher or lower IR than the rest of the cells? If it's developing a short, the IR should become lower right?!

[785boats]

I know that is what it would seem. But no. The total IR of the cell increases as the cell starts to fail The crystalising Lithium becomes a 'dry' spot & has higher resistance. Sort of like a dry solder joint.
The anode & cathode plates are shorted out & a small current flows between them in that area. At this stage the pack seems to loose voltage while in storage. It is self discharging. Only very slightly at first. But it can grow. When it gets to a stage where heat builds up it can hit thermal run away and BOOM!!! Fire in the hole. This can happen at any time. On the charger,in the boat, or in storage.
Of course, none of that may happen & the pack might be fine. But I wouldn't have it in my house.