Batteries

Do yourself a favor. You are going on a long trip. Get two new batteries, make the old ones spares and enjoy your trip!

My wife said they were not totally discharged. She was the one that found them. I topped off the water in them. I know its not right to take them down that far. Time will tell. Thanks to all.

Hi Dirtclods,

Fully charged electrolyte occupies more volume than totally discharged. If the "normal" fill line is used, then the acid may over flow. That is why the first charge only requires the plates be covered. i.e. to avoid a heck of a mess.

Dirtclods wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Dirtclods,

Only add enough distilled water to cover the plates. After the batteries are fully charged, top off, and then equalize.

Then do a load test.

Top them off ~ Or your interpretation to cover the plate. My plate to the bottom ridge line is a least an inch so filling just above the plates is not enough, every battery is a bit different. We're kind of on the same page.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Dirtclods,

Fully charged electrolyte occupies more volume than totally discharged. If the "normal" fill line is used, then the acid may over flow. That is why the first charge only requires the plates be covered. i.e. to avoid a heck of a mess.

Dirtclods wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Dirtclods,

Only add enough distilled water to cover the plates. After the batteries are fully charged, top off, and then equalize.

Then do a load test.

Top them off ~ Or your interpretation to cover the plate. My plate to the bottom ridge line is a least an inch so filling just above the plates is not enough, every battery is a bit different. We're kind of on the same page.

I run two six volts there's a large void between just the top of the plates and the fill line and you could just fry the batteries not having enough distilled water as well. I do under expansion of the distilled water while being charged.