Battery Fix

[SkiDeep2001]

Reposted from Problems with newly installed Wheel pilot X-5

You can measure the density of the acid/water mix with a hydrometer - looks like a turkey baster with some ball bearings stuck inside.

If you have a battery that is not up to snuff, not holding full charge, instead of topping off with distilled water and recharging, O'reillys Auto Parts now carries actual Battery Acid Electrolyte to use instead of the distilled water. It is part #32096 Line code SSB. It is 32fl. ounces for $7.49. What I do is, using a turkey baster, I draw equal amounts out of each cell to equal 32 ozs. or double if you buy 2 bottles. (1 bottle, 32 ozs. will not do whole battery) It will revive weak or old batteries and has worked great on my auto/tractor batteries. Battery must not have bulging sides or sulfated plates. Much cheaper than a new battery. I do use Optima starting and deep cycles in my which cannot be rejuvenated but for a wet cell battery it works well. Disclaimer - I am not responsible for any injuries or dead batteries if you decide to go this route. This message will self destruct in 5 4 3 2.... Rob PS: for your edification about batteries - http://www.jaycar.com.au/images_uploaded/battglos.pdf

[DaveB]

I went thru this in 2009 in detail. I had many negitive posts about useing acid and the balance of Acid and water has to be correct but adding a little more acid above charts won't hurt your battery and help to keep them unsulfated.
2-1/2 years on my twin 27 group Wallmart Marine batteries ( useing acid and distilled water filling up but only had to fill up twice) and still like new and I have a frig. and all elect. that pulls demand on the 2 house batteries and no chargeing unless the max.10 amp on Honda 50 starts. I never get below 50% battery compacity and on a 4-5 day trip never get below 40% of battery even if I don't start engine for 2 days.
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... d&start=30
Dave

Reposted from Problems with newly installed Wheel pilot X-5

You can measure the density of the acid/water mix with a hydrometer - looks like a turkey baster with some ball bearings stuck inside.

If you have a battery that is not up to snuff, not holding full charge, instead of topping off with distilled water and recharging, O'reillys Auto Parts now carries actual Battery Acid Electrolyte to use instead of the distilled water. It is part #32096 Line code SSB. It is 32fl. ounces for $7.49. What I do is, using a turkey baster, I draw equal amounts out of each cell to equal 32 ozs. or double if you buy 2 bottles. (1 bottle, 32 ozs. will not do whole battery) It will revive weak or old batteries and has worked great on my auto/tractor batteries. Battery must not have bulging sides or sulfated plates. Much cheaper than a new battery. I do use Optima starting and deep cycles in my which cannot be rejuvenated but for a wet cell battery it works well. Disclaimer - I am not responsible for any injuries or dead batteries if you decide to go this route. This message will self destruct in 5 4 3 2.... Rob PS: for your edification about batteries - http://www.jaycar.com.au/images_uploaded/battglos.pdf

[grady]

I too have used acid to top off batteries before, not necessary but if you do not have distilled water acid is better than tap or filtered water.
But!!!! Be careful and do it really slow and never to a completely dead battery. remember back from science class in middle school you should always pour water into acid not acid into water.

That is all the used battery places do is dump all the old acid out flush it and put new acid in them. it will give you about another six months out of the battery.

[nedmiller]

Actually, I'm an old chemistry teacher.... and if you have to mix acid and water, you should always pour acid into a larger amount of water.
SILK

[grady]

Actually, I'm an old chemistry teacher.... and if you have to mix acid and water, you should always pour acid into a larger amount of water.
SILK

What is your reasoning behind that?

Would you rather have the reaction between water and Acid on the top of the solution or the bottom?

[kmclemore]

The old adage is "Do as you oughter, add acid to water". The idea is that when acid is added to water it becomes dilute... however when water is added to acid, it has more potential to react.

[magnetic]

I have always used these to great effect - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bat-Aid-Car-Bat ... B0034Z1EDA

no liquids involved, seems to revive Lead Acid batteries quite well

[nedmiller]

If your were to pour a small amount of water into an acid, especially a concentrated acid, the water would heat up and possibly splatter the acid.

SILK

[magnetic]

"What I do is, using a turkey baster"

the pouring/splashing issue does not arise

[Catigale]

It's generally the larger volume of liquid that splatters , so you add acid or base to a volume of water like Ned says.

[grady]

Ok maybe I remembered it wrong, hull it was 30 years ago.

I have always used these to great effect - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bat-Aid-Car-Bat ... B0034Z1EDA

no liquids involved, seems to revive Lead Acid batteries quite well

I have been told by old mechanics that Epsom salt will de-sulfate a battery so it will work for a little while longer. have not tried it yet tho. I generally replace my batteries when they show signs of weakness. I am very picky about ensuring when I push a button I want something to start.

[DaveB]

Best way to desulfate batteries is to have a 50 amp charger and do a high amp charge to battery to desulfate in a short period.
This works some times but will not bring the battery to a new condition and only extends the battery life a little longer.
Battery Plus uses this method to bring the battery back to a reasonable level, otherwise the battery is to sulfated and should be discarded.
Never discharge your battery more than 50% and do a recharge as quick as possable. A wet cell deep Cycle battery will sulfate over a short period of time if left 50-75 % discharge.
I wouldn't add any type of additive in a battery except Distilled water and battery acid.
Dave

I have been told by old mechanics that Epsom salt will de-sulfate a battery so it will work for a little while longer. have not tried it yet tho. I generally replace my batteries when they show signs of weakness. I am very picky about ensuring when I push a button I want something to start.

[dvideohd]

There are electric "sappers" that are "said" to work... I don't know much about them... Would work with deep discharge batteries better, I think....

--jr

[DaveB]

I should have mentioned that putting a High 50 amp charge is for only a lightly sulfated battery. There is nothing to my knowledge to desulfate a heavy buildup.
The 50 amp charge is a high electric surge to desulfate the battery.
Dave

There are electric "sappers" that are "said" to work... I don't know much about them... Would work with deep discharge batteries better, I think....

--jr

[SkiDeep2001]

FYI Batteries, Here is some info that might help you all decide on what to do with batteries or give you an idea about how you will handle things. Rob .http://www.jaycar.com.au/images_uploaded/battglos.pdf. PS: The SNOW is getting deep in the Cascades and I am going skiing is going to be at rest for the winter.