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Old 03-09-2015, 10:15 PM   #1
Kingman
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Default Cleaning Batteries

Hi

I have a 2010 Precedent 48 V with 2 yr old Trojan 875's. I watch the water level and add distilled water when needed. Even with a flashlight it is hard to see how high the water level is above the core but l keep it at the bottom of the spout.

I have noticed that the batteries must have leaked because of the stains on my garage floor. This could have happened back when l first picked the cart up.

My battery compartment looks dirty even though it was never off road or driven in the rain.

What is the best way to clean the batteries? I have read to apply water mixed with baking soda and the hose it off.

This hosing off doesn't sound right because of the electrical things in the same area.

Thanks

Alan
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Old 03-09-2015, 10:18 PM   #2
jakesnake27
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

Baking soda and water is what I have always used. You pretty much have to use water to get a good clean, just don't directly spray any of the electrical components.
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Old 03-09-2015, 10:35 PM   #3
Kingman
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

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Originally Posted by jakesnake27 View Post
Baking soda and water is what I have always used. You pretty much have to use water to get a good clean, just don't directly spray any of the electrical components.
Hi
Thanks for the quick response. What ratio baking soda water? If l just hose the batteries directly and let the over spray clean off the rest will l be ok?
Do l have to towel dry them?

Alan
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Old 03-09-2015, 10:36 PM   #4
Kingman
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

Forgot to ask do l have to disconnect the batteries and switch to tow?
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Old 03-09-2015, 10:38 PM   #5
jakesnake27
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

I don't really know the ratio, but just make sure you get enough to neutralize the battery acid. You'll know, it will fizz. Also use warm water, that will help the baking soda dissolve. Yes just towel dry.
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Old 03-09-2015, 10:38 PM   #6
jakesnake27
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

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Originally Posted by Kingman View Post
Forgot to ask do l have to disconnect the batteries and switch to tow?
Yes, at the minimum switch to Tow, but I would also disconnect main terminals
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Old 03-10-2015, 05:29 AM   #7
Sergio
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

The mix is 1 cup of Baking Soda to 1 Gallon of water.

Don't wash the batteries on a concrete surface or it will get stained by the acid mixture runoff.

Put the cart on Tow.

The water has a tendency to run down the cables and drip on stuff on the other side of the battery bucket, to prevent it, I do the following:

Stuff a rag on the front of the battery compartment where the cables go to the FNR and charger plug.

Stuff a rag around where the negative cable goes thru the OBC.

Make sure all battery caps are tight so the baking soda mix cannot get into the batteries.

Put most of the baking soda mixture on top of all batteries.

Put the remainder of the mix on top of the batteries that had the most reaction.

Rinse well by pouring water, not a strong garden hose jet stream.

I usually take this opportunity to spray WD40 on the charger receptacle socket and also on the battery tops (just to clean them).

Let it air dry and put some battery terminal protection spray on the terminals. You can cut a hole on a piece of newspaper to keep the spray from going everywhere.
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Old 03-10-2015, 06:57 AM   #8
mrgolf
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

I think the safest way is to remove the batteries. Clean them on a wood board. Then you can clean under the batteries. They make a spray also that works like the baking soda and water.
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Old 03-10-2015, 07:51 AM   #9
Sergio
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

I have never heard of anyone taking the batteries out to clean them, the amount of labor involved is unnecessary. The existing tie-downs would most likely brake off at the bottom when you try to unscrew them.

There is really nothing electrical or electronic in there that can get damaged, water it is just not that good of a conductor.

There are however some "logical" signal wires that will give you wrong readings if water stays on top of them and short against other wires.

The issue will go away as soon as the water evaporates.

If You stuff the rags in the locations I mentioned, that is the only possibility for water to get into places like that.
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Old 03-10-2015, 08:20 AM   #10
scooterman
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Default Re: Cleaning Batteries

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Originally Posted by mrgolf View Post
I think the safest way is to remove the batteries. Clean them on a wood board. Then you can clean under the batteries. They make a spray also that works like the baking soda and water.
May be a little more labor but If it is really bad It may be a good idea, all depends to what extent of the dirtiness.
If I get some liquids from charging I usually go as far as just using an old clean rag, wipe it dry after charging and throw it. Seems like the older the batteries get the more you see these sort of issues.
That said If the batteries aren't that bad but you want a good cleaning and do as Sergio says covering up the equipment that works also.
I'd let the amount of cleaning required determine how I'd do the job, in this case sounds like it may not be that bad.
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