Battery Electrolyte Level

[Tom47]

Hello fellas,

Everytime I check and add distilled water to my battery pack, I am concerned about the correct level. I have most often heard on here about 1/4" above the lead plates, and that is where I have been trying to keep them.

Browsing around today, I found several Trojan battery maintenance links, and all of them recommend filling to 1/4" below the fill well indicator. There is quite a bit of fill difference between 1/4" above the plates and 1/4" below the fill well.

I am almost tempted to shoot for half-way between the two levels. But I find 1/4" below the fill well is much easier to see and measure.

Any input would be appreciated.

[mrgolf]

If you keep the level below the fill well and above the plates you will be just fine. When I put water in mine I try to stop just below the fill well. Sometimes I touch the fill well. I just make sure I keep the batteries dry and have not had any problems.

[LukeL]

I always touch the water to the bottom of the wells, and I haven’t had problems in years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tom47]

Originally Posted by LukeL

I always touch the water to the bottom of the wells, and I haven’t had problems in years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's what I've done for years. However, many on this forum have recommended just 1/4" over the top of the lead plates.

Maybe I misunderstood what they were saying. I understand to add water when the top of the plates are dry to bring the level up prior to charging. Then raise the level to below the wells AFTER charging.

I'll go out and fill mine 1/4" below the wells tomorrow.

Thanks for your replies.

[mrgolf]

My question is how the hill do you measure 1/4 inch down in that hole.

[Tom47]

Originally Posted by mrgolf

My question is how the hill do you measure 1/4 inch down in that hole.

I can see the level when it is a bit (1/4" or so) below the bottom of the well a lot easier than seeing 1/4" above the lead plates.

And I'm half blind!

[LukeL]

Originally Posted by Tom47

That's what I've done for years. However, many on this forum have recommended just 1/4" over the top of the lead plates.



Maybe I misunderstood what they were saying. I understand to add water when the top of the plates are dry to bring the level up prior to charging. Then raise the level to below the wells AFTER charging.



I'll go out and fill mine 1/4" below the wells tomorrow.



Thanks for your replies.

I never never never let it get below the plates. I’d rather be safe and go up to the bottom of the filling wells than ruin good batteries.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tom47]

Originally Posted by LukeL

I never never never let it get below the plates. I’d rather be safe and go up to the bottom of the filling wells than ruin good batteries.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Golferdave]

Just below the bottom of the fill well , neck ,
Fill after a full charge cycle,
Some just touch after next charging.

No signs of overfilling or trouble with wet tops yet.

[ThreeCW]

Originally Posted by Tom47

Everytime I check and add distilled water to my battery pack, I am concerned about the correct level. I have most often heard on here about 1/4" above the lead plates, and that is where I have been trying to keep them.

US Battery recommends: Batteries should always be watered after charging unless plates are exposed before charging. If exposed, plates should be covered by approximately 1/8″ of electrolyte (add distilled water only). Check electrolyte level after charge. The electrolyte level should be kept 1/4″ below the bottom of the fill well in the cell cover. See attached picture for reference.

I found that when I tried to follow the US Battery recommendation, I had excessive acid pooling on the tops of some of my batteries after changing. My US batteries are 6 volt and equipped with Speed Caps (see attached image).

I now keep the electrolyte level about 1/4" ABOVE the plates (or best that I can estimate). There is now considerably less acid pooling after charging, but I find that I have to keep a closer eye on the electrolyte levels now with less fluid above the plates