Community Forums

JohnT · 07-18-2013, 09:59 PM

I decided to check the batteries today for the first time since we purchased it in May. The water level was above the plates by 1/8". I remember that years ago when I worked at a gas station, that the proper level was to the ring at the bottom where the caps goes. Is that still correct today? I searched the site and do not find a definitive answer.

So can you help me out?

Thanks

BigSkyBob · 07-18-2013, 10:02 PM

Right or wrong, that's where mine are filled to.

Dr4Film · 07-18-2013, 10:11 PM

Because of the way that the House Batteries are charged, they recommend that the distilled water / electrolyte level be half way between the top of the plates and the ring. This reduces the amount of off-gassing and corrosion.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Mr_D · 07-18-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Because of the way that the House Batteries are charged, they recommend that the distilled water / electrolyte level be half way between the top of the plates and the ring. This reduces the amount of off-gassing and corrosion.

Or you could put mineral oil in each cell and almost totally eliminate corrosion. Here are two pictures of my batteries after putting 4 oz oz of mineral oil in each cell. I put the mineral oil in in 2004 and they weren't cleaned for 4 years when these were taken.

vschweiger · 07-18-2013, 10:30 PM

trojan batteries said it should be just enough to cover the plates and do not overfill vince

Diesel Guy · 07-18-2013, 10:30 PM

Hello very interesting do you use just reg mineral oil ( type and or brand) and 4 oz per cell I need to try that thanks.

JohnT · 07-19-2013, 05:56 AM

Thanks for the quick responses. I filled to about an 1/8" below the ring. I'll leave it there.

I'll research more about the mineral oil addition.

wa8yxm · 07-19-2013, 06:38 AM

There are two schools of thought on the proper level.. The manufacturer says that it's the same as it was when you were a pump jockey, the bottom of the split ring.

Myself I like 1/8 to 1/4 inch BELOW the split ring.. A bit of extra ventelation helps to reduce battery acid being forced out of the battery if you quick charge.,

Dogpatch · 07-19-2013, 08:01 AM

Where do you buy mineral oil? I've looked and never found it.

stuhly · 07-19-2013, 08:07 AM

Drug isle in about any store.

Dr4Film · 07-19-2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Or you could put mineral oil in each cell and almost totally eliminate corrosion. Here are two pictures of my batteries after putting 4 oz oz of mineral oil in each cell. I put the mineral oil in in 2004 and they weren't cleaned for 4 years when these were taken.

For those that choose to install mineral oil in your batteries, understand that you have just voided the warranty on your batteries.

I would suggest using Water Miser Caps which work great. I use them on all 4 of my 6 VDC house batteries. And they do not void the battery warranty.

Water Miser Battery Vent Caps

Dr4Film ----- Richard

stuhly · 07-19-2013, 08:41 AM

Since I added mineral oil to my batteries 3 years ago I have not had to add any water or clean up the compartment. We spend 6 months at a time in the MH.

TdogKing · 07-19-2013, 07:29 PM

I bought the battery watering system before I had heard about the mineral oil trick. I can check/add water to my 4 6volts in about 1 minute and my hands don't even get dirty. 2 of my batteries I added and they are really hard to access but now it's a piece of cake. I tried those water miser caps on the 2 inaccessible batteries and they didn't work for me me and I'm not sure why. When I checked the batteries they were both low on water.

Jack1234 · 07-19-2013, 07:37 PM

I agree on the water miser caps....didn't work for me. I've also used the mineral oil thing and have no complaints, but no way I could get several years without adding water. For me the solution was the Pro-Fill system.