Community Forums

Dr4Film · 08-17-2012, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck454

Since filling batteries is a monthly to-do for the mh, what is your favorite method....peeknpour, auto filler can, bulb, totally automatic, etc. Anyone find a auto filler can better than another....Plews beter than another?

My mh does not have a pullout tray so battery check and fill not a quick maintenance chore. To disconnect and remove each battery works about as well as trying to peeknpour using flashlight to check level. Unfortunately chassis batteries are above a couple of the four house batteries so that is a especially small working area.

I chose to use Water Miser Caps on the outside instead of adding mineral oil to the inside. Only need to check water level every 4-6 months now unless the charger is over charging the batteries. It should be set to about 80% charge rate.

What about adding two sliding trays to your battery compartment?

That would make the chore of checking water easier and it would be more cost effective too versus buying batteries more often.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Ed-Sommers · 08-17-2012, 10:09 AM

If you do not have to add a little water each month, the battery's are probably being UNDER charged! That's not necessarily a bad thing though. Undercharging to avoid bubbling is a good method if the battery's are hard to access, however may require a higher maintenance charge now and then. Ed

Dunner · 08-17-2012, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck454

D, 4 oz per cell seems like a lot to add to cell unless the cell is very low. Did you remove some fluid in order to get the 4 oz in?

Do you set the BatMinder to on battery of series and just let it do its thing? Isn't it a charge only when needed device?

The auto fill device with bulb sounds like neat device also. What is the brand name?

Yes, I removed 4 oz of fluid before adding the oil.

The BM 12248 is wired directly to my house batteries and another 1 amp BM is wired to my chassis battery.

It charges as needed, then goes into the maintenance/de-sulfate mode.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyMike

I use a plant watering can with a long, thin spout. My 6V batteries require water a LOT less often than the old 12V batteries. Never heard about mineral oil before, I'll have to try that.

Both of you do a search for mineral oil. Plenty of reading.

njs42 · 08-17-2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

4 oz per cell for 6 volt; 2 oz per cell for 12 volt. I put the oil in last spring and haven't needed to add water through the 115°+ record breaking Phx heat. I have all of mine on an 8 amp BatteryMinder.

BatteryMINDer 12 Volt 2/4/8 Amp Wet/Gel/AGM Battery Charger: BatteryMart.com

OK Dunner I'll take your word for it. I have had mineral oil sitting around for about six months and have been too chicken to pour it in, but if you are using it that is all I need. I'll put it in today. Gotta go run the generator and charge them up anyway. 4oz per cell, first I need more mineral oil.

94 here in Seattle of all places, just like a Phoenix winter.

Thanks for the shove.

tiredvet · 08-17-2012, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. Miller

We also installed the ProFill system, now the only "problem" is washing the dust off every 6-8 months

ProFill gets my vote. This system makes battery care a breeze.

Dunner · 08-17-2012, 10:53 AM

I said: "What? Mineral oil in a battery" until I read all the posts about it. It's a scary thought, but it works. If I turn off my BM for 3-4 days, they read 12.7 volts. Haven't added water since I put the oil in my Trojans back in March.

BFlinn181 · 08-17-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

I said: "What? Mineral oil in a battery" until I read all the posts about it. It's a scary thought, but it works. If I turn off my BM for 3-4 days, they read 12.7 volts. Haven't added water since I put the oil in my Trojans back in March.

You're doin' it wrong, lubrication goes on the outside of a Trojan!

Dunner · 08-17-2012, 12:10 PM

Too many ways to reply to that comment.

Clayobx · 08-17-2012, 12:18 PM

Dunner, first you removed the battery acid to allow the mineral oil in? I assume so. Is the mineral oil " lighter " than the acid and suspend above or mix within the cell? Also, what type of devices do you use to remove the acid and add the oil? Would you suggest this oil acid mix to 6 month old batteries? Thanks

gripper · 08-17-2012, 12:36 PM

I too, have added mineral oil to my batteries, plus installed the "Profill" watering system. No more troubles! Great!

Dunner · 08-17-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayobx

Dunner, first you removed the battery acid to allow the mineral oil in? I assume so. Is the mineral oil " lighter " than the acid and suspend above or mix within the cell? Also, what type of devices do you use to remove the acid and add the oil? Would you suggest this oil acid mix to 6 month old batteries? Thanks

I used a baster to move 4 oz of acid to a measuring cup from each cell, then to a coffee can, then used the measuring cup to add 4 oz of oil to each cell.

The oil is lighter than the acid and floats on top to prevent evaporation and excessive out gassing. If your batteries are still good, it will work fine.

sgtjoe · 08-17-2012, 12:47 PM

I can check/top off all four 6v batteries with the profill system quicker then I could check one cell prior to installing the system. Also, no corrosion on my clamps or post since installing the system. If my Chassis batteries were'nt sealed the ProFill would be on them also. Did I mention I like the watering system.

Clayobx · 08-17-2012, 01:35 PM

Thank's Dunner,
The batteries are very new and good. Will buy the baster and get started tomorrow

Dutch Star Don · 08-17-2012, 03:11 PM

I added the Thermoil to my first set of batteries along with their De-Mister product. I used an old turkey baster to remove the acid. Keep in mind that you need to keep the end of the baster pointed downward the entire time it has acid in it. The minute you angle it up, it will shoot out of the baster.