Wet cell battery maintenance

[johnm1]

I didn't find this in a quick search.

I have a pair of 6V GC batteries. As I know the world is very different for everybody but roughly speaking ...

1. How often should I check the "water" level in the batteries?
2. After charging, the "water" should be where?
A. Just above the plates.
B. Just touching the bottom of the cap.

Yes, I know to add distilled or deionized water and not tap water.

Thanks,

[Oaklevel]

🙂 Camper batteries get check 2-3 times yearly (Originals from 2012). Not had to add water to them. The golf car's batteries get checked 3-4 times a year (last replaced in 2010). If adding distilled water rinse out a drinking water bottle with distilled then use it to add.... use it to add and pitch when done..............

We usually camp 50-60 nights annually sometimes more.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

The hydrometer is always the boss. If you cannot get it to read 1.280 your are killing your batteries. Just like offering a 15-year old teenager an 800 calorie a day diet.

[johnm1]

Ok then. I guess I've got me some watch'n & learn'n to do. It also sounds like there isn't a problem when both aren't bubbling.

Thanks folks!

[MEXICOWANDERER]

It's a Trends & Tendencies thing...

Cells that are approaching max electrolyte density will bubble. They will still bubble even at .5 amp charge rate.

The trick is to note your voltmeter and ammeter readings when the cells are all bubbling. Then you can use the meters instead of staring into the cells all the time.

A few people here went nuts when I said a hydrometer is needed to determine when cells are fully charged. Shame. When cells are fully charged, note the bubbling. Then try using the meters for awhile. After a month, go back and re-check with a hydrometer and see if your hypothesis remains valid.

Simple and easy. But a few folks think holding a hydrometer in hand is worse than getting a hypodermic needle jab in the ---.

It's merely a matter of getting to know your batteries. They have quirks. But they are easy to outwit. The hard thing to outwit is Smart Chargers. They suck you down to their level then beat you with tenacity and hyperbole.

[NinerBikes]

johnm1 wrote:
I don't know how many cells in each battery were bubbling. I only noticed that 1 battery had very small bubbles and the other battery had none.

Don't know if it matters but the one that was bubbling had the neg wire and the non-bubbler had the pos wire??

Keep observing, take notes, and learn.

Cells should bubble like champagne that's gone semi flat. This indicates they are getting closer to being fully recharged. The closer they get to a full charge, the more bubbles and perhaps slightly larger bubbles you will see in each cell chamber.

[johnm1]

I don't know how many cells in each battery were bubbling. I only noticed that 1 battery had very small bubbles and the other battery had none.

Don't know if it matters but the one that was bubbling had the neg wire and the non-bubbler had the pos wire??

[NinerBikes]

If only 2 cells are bubbling, keep charging, until all of them are just barely popping champagne sized bubbles at the surface. The 2 that are bubbling are nearing full charge, they could be the strong brothers, opposite the weak sister.

[johnm1]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
It is sooooooooooo easy to check the inside of the cells during max charge rate and see just how vigorous (or not) bubbling is. Proper intensity of electrolyte bubbling does not mean a roiling boil. It means 2-3 small bubbles per second. Hydrogen and oxygen atoms produced by electrolysis not heat.

I checked the batteries last evening. Water was at proper level but only 1 of the 2 batteries was ever so slightly bubbling. Is it ok to have 1 and not the other doing this?

BTW: I have a pair pf 6V GC batteries wired in series like in the link. Sorry, I'd post a picture but couldn't figure it out quickly so the web link will have to do.

http://deepcyclebatterystore.com/convert-6-volt-batteries-dry-camping/

[MEXICOWANDERER]

"MY CAR IS THIRTY THREE YEARS OLD AND DOESN'T BURN A DROP OF OIL!"

"Wow! That's impressive! How many miles on the odometer?"

"11,000 I think"

THERMOIL® has been selling specialty battery cell oil additive since the 1990's

[wa8yxm]

Till you learn your batteries and assuming you have a good 3-stage charger/converter every month... If you have a magnetek 6300 Every day.

The level when filled and charged should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch below teh bottom of the filler tube, DO NOT fill to the top and do not allow the plates to be exposed.. NOTE: You do not need to refill so long as there is at least 1/8 to 1/4 inch on top of the plates... But when you fill 1/4 to 1/8" below the bottom of the tube. This leaves enough space for the battery to "Breathe" .

[westend]

If you're getting 12 years out of a set, that's really good. I will have to look into the oiling and see if it's going to work for me. Still an old dog, here, but pick up a new trick every now and then.

[JaxDad]

westend wrote:

JaxDad wrote:

westend wrote:
I've been filling wet cell batteries for over 50 years. I still find it difficult to fill every cell equally when using a funnel and distilled water. Part of it is the fill-and-check process and part of it is looking down into a container through a small opening to gauge height of clear water.

I've been NOT filling wet cell batteries for 40'ish years.

I just put a tablespoonful of mineral oil in each cell of each new battery.

Easy peasy, NO water bottle squeezey!!!

Great, another method for battery lovers.
Now, I have only two questions: How long do your batteries last? What happens when you dip the cells with a hydrometer?

I don't keep track of when I buy what battery, but I do know in the case of my m/h because I replaced all 3 of them when I bought it in 2004. They're still performing just fine.

Nothing really changes with taking measurements, you just squeeze the bulb slightly is you immerse the tip so that it's blowing bubbles instead of inhaling.

[westend]

JaxDad wrote:

westend wrote:
I've been filling wet cell batteries for over 50 years. I still find it difficult to fill every cell equally when using a funnel and distilled water. Part of it is the fill-and-check process and part of it is looking down into a container through a small opening to gauge height of clear water.

I've been NOT filling wet cell batteries for 40'ish years.

I just put a tablespoonful of mineral oil in each cell of each new battery.

Easy peasy, NO water bottle squeezey!!!

Great, another method for battery lovers.
Now, I have only two questions: How long do your batteries last? What happens when you dip the cells with a hydrometer?

[RJsfishin]

I speak only form 50 yrs experience. If you charge continuously w/ a good 3-4 stage converter such as a PD, your batteries will seldom need water added.
I check mine twice a year,.....and add water once a year. I dry camp the batteries about 4 months per year, charging w/ mostly solar, and some genset.