Water level in batteries

[kojo]

BigWes, I just put enough water to be about 1/4"-1/2" above the top of the plates, and I've only had a little bit come out maybe 2-3 times on top of the battery.

[720Deere]

The first instinct is to use a turkey baster to remove the excess fluid, but that will only dilute your acid content. It is a PITA, but nature just needs to run its course now unless it really boils a lot out when you charge it. If it gets too bad, I would go ahead and draw some out to get the level down a bit.

[BigWes]

All good info. thanks. so to make sure I understand, I only need to fill with enough water that the plates never get exposed when the water level goes down. Too much water causes a boil over which will dilute the sulfuric acid which if done enough will weaken the batteries. Am I understanding this correctly?

If I am, then I probably didn't even need to fill them yet. The water level was a good 1/2" over the plates in all cells.

[720Deere]

I try to maintain no less than 1/4" over the plates.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by BigWes

All good info. thanks. so to make sure I understand, I only need to fill with enough water that the plates never get exposed when the water level goes down. Too much water causes a boil over which will dilute the sulfuric acid which if done enough will weaken the batteries. Am I understanding this correctly?

If I am, then I probably didn't even need to fill them yet. The water level was a good 1/2" over the plates in all cells.

You've got the important stuff down pat.

Just a minor addition to this statement is needed: Too much water causes a boil over which will dilute the sulfuric acid the next time water is added, which if done enough will weaken the batteries.

Here is a drawing that shows the level pretty well.
Some batteries have actual fill to marks, but most don't, so the rule of thumb is : Keep the level at least 1/2" above the plates and fill to no more than about 1/4" below the bottom of the fill/vent tube.

I check the electrolyte level about once a month in the warmer months, but not as often during the winter since I don't use the cart as much when it is cold. I usually don't add water until it is down to about 3/4" above the plates.

[cgtech]

You could always draw some out with a turkey baster, and store it in a clean gatorade bottle. Then use the contents of the gatorade bottle for top-offs 'till all the acid ends up back in the batteries.

[720Deere]

Originally Posted by cgtech

You could always draw some out with a turkey baster, and store it in a clean gatorade bottle. Then use the contents of the gatorade bottle for top-offs 'till all the acid ends up back in the batteries.

Excellent idea!

[yurtle]

Or if you're really anal, you'd use 18 containers. If they were randomly filled, each cell will be slightly different.

[slip14]

I have had to fill my batteries with water every two or three days?

[DaveTM]

Originally Posted by slip14

I have had to fill my batteries with water every two or three days?

All of 'em? Or just one? Or most? It would seem to me that if you have to fill 'em all that often.....(I would assume you have looked under your cart to make sure someone has not sabotaged your batteries via poking a hole in each battery?)...that you have a charger issue. Now....someone with charger expertise needs to chime in here.