Battery Bank Cleaning

[twinboat]

Although AGM batteries are " Valve Regulated ", meaning they have pressure controls in the cells, " Big Mike " says water will get in.

He then goes on to suggest spraying Windex with Ammona D on them. That don't get in ?

I'll stick with the water. Maybe a bit of baking soda on the posts.

[MRUSA14]

Aren't they one way valves?

[twinboat]

According to this, they are.

In contrast, VRLA batteries retain generated gases within the battery as long as the pressure remains within safe levels. Under normal operating conditions the gases can then recombine within the battery itself, sometimes with the help of a catalyst, and no additional electrolyte is needed*[2][1]. However, if the pressure exceeds safety limits, safety valves open to allow the excess gases to escape, and in doing so regulate the pressure back to safe levels (hence "Valve-Regulated" in "VRLA").

[LVUS101]

Originally Posted by jestal

I would love to talk to the engineer at Entegra that approved that design...LOL

The fluid color looks like it may be coming from the engine pre heat line.

[jestal]

Originally Posted by LVUS101

The fluid color looks like it may be coming from the engine pre heat line.

which would be installed to the Aquahot unit by Entegra......

Perfect example of the lack of planning and correct support for all the hose and wire routing throughout the coach. Entegra and the other coach builders would go out of business if it weren't for do-all zipties (the duct tape of the coach building industry.) if they would just pick up all the ones they drop and the cut off ends instead of leaving them in every nook and cranny with the rest of the construction debris. We failed a slide roller because an errant ziptie Entegra left lying around wound itself around the roller,cut the elastomer coating and jammed the roller....to be fixed on our dime.

[Cruzer]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Although AGM batteries are " Valve Regulated ", meaning they have pressure controls in the cells, " Big Mike " says water will get in.

He then goes on to suggest spraying Windex with Ammona D on them. That don't get in ?

I'll stick with the water. Maybe a bit of baking soda on the posts.

I'm assuming that the Windex won't get in because it's a light spray and won't pressure the valves whereas a water hose or pressure washer would force the water in past the valves.

[Old Scout]

WOW--cant use water to wash AGM batteries--yet another reason not to spend the extra money on AGMs--who knew???????

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Cruzer

I'm assuming that the Windex won't get in because it's a light spray and won't pressure the valves whereas a water hose or pressure washer would force the water in past the valves.

According to Discovery battery, the AGM valves hold 1.6 psi IN the battery cell before they vent. That is only to protect from damaging the container of overcharging.

They seal tight to keep oxygen from getting IN the cells and messing up the chemistry. If the valves are open to water, oxygen has been getting in and the battery is failed anyway.

You can submerge an AGM battery and it will be fine, you may want to keep the terminals above water.

Hey, Windex is fine too.

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

WOW--cant use water to wash AGM batteries--yet another reason not to spend the extra money on AGMs--who knew???????

Of course you can use water, just not high pressure water. I wouldn't use high pressure on a flooded battery either.

[EVsCoach]

I use the Clorex or Lysol wipes that can be purchased from major stores in three packs. They work great in cleaning down the batteries among other things while drying fast. I have also used them to clean the wheels (not tires). I cleaned our batteries and wheels prior to leaving Vegas and they still look great.

[Old Scout]

OK--now we are talking "handy-wipes" for battery maintenance--we have sure come along way since my days back in the farm......