Checking water level and adding water to batteries

[Unicorn Driver]

Thanks both for the replies.

I will make to clean the batteries 1st. The batteries are under the steps and a bit awkward to get too.

Should I disconnect the cables first?

Next batteries will be agm :-)

[Sherpa Vern]

If you remove the cables, you could do the cleaning of the posts and actually pull the batteries out for cleaning of both the batteries and the battery box. You might be surprised at what you see under the batteries, pleasantly surprised I hope, but it might be a good time for a wire brush and your favorite color of rust inhibiting black paint while you are there.

The first step for me is to take a picture of the cable connections before removing any of them. It always looks simple enough to remember for me until I take the first cable off, as if my memory was powered by the batteries. You will want to unplug from shore power and switch off the batteries before disconnecting the cables.

Once you get all of these steps done, you can get on a regular routine of light cleaning, quick inspection and topping off the water.

Good luck.

Bill

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by Sherpa Vern

If you remove the cables, you could do the cleaning of the posts and actually pull the batteries out for cleaning of both the batteries and the battery box. You might be surprised at what you see under the batteries, pleasantly surprised I hope, but if would might be a good time for a wire brush and your favorite color of rust inhibiting black paint while you are there.

The first step for me is to take a picture of the cable connections before removing any of them. It always looks simple enough to remember for me until I take the first cable off, as if my memory was powered by the batteries. You will want to unplug from shore power and switch off the batteries before disconnecting the cables.

Once you get all of these steps done, you can get on a regular routine of light cleaning, quick inspection and topping off the water.

Good luck.

Bill

I have never tried taking the batteries our as they are on a tray under the steps.

It would be worth trying.

[2 Stroker]

Use a cell phone to that a picture before you remove the cables and batteries. You can use some baking soda to clean everything and wash down with water and remove the N side first and when replacing install the P cable first.
2 stroker

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by 2 Stroker

Use a cell phone to that a picture before you remove the cables and batteries. You can use some baking soda to clean everything and wash down with water and remove the N side first and when replacing install the P cable first.
2 stroker

Great advice,

Thanks,

[TonyMac]

When I removed my batteries, I found the metal floor they saT on was beginning to corrode, paint peeling and bubbling. I sanded it smooth about 2 inches up the sides and painted it with truck bed linen from the auto parts store and a cheap 2 inch brush from home depot. Several coats. Let's see that battery nastiness get thru' that!


Oh yeah, take several pictures before you disassemble the wires.

[2 Stroker]

Here is a list of stuff to get.
1. https://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-BA...y+post+cleaner

2. https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05023-Tec...y+post+cleaner

3. https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-8037...y+post+cleaner

Some use these on post style batteries
4.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01155YKF4...515800125&sr=3
2 stroker

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by 2 Stroker

Here is a list of stuff to get.
1. https://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-BA...y+post+cleaner

2. https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05023-Tec...y+post+cleaner

3. https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-8037...y+post+cleaner

Some use these on post style batteries
4.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01155YKF4...515800125&sr=3
2 stroker

Thanks 2 Stroker, I will order that lot.

[fottip]

Be careful about what you do with baking soda mixed with water around those batteries. The caps on the batteries are vented, and if you let water mixed with baking soda get on those caps, there's the possibility it might get into the cells themselves. That will damage the batteries.

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by fottip

Be careful about what you do with baking soda mixed with water around those batteries. The caps on the batteries are vented, and if you let water mixed with baking soda get on those caps, there's the possibility it might get into the cells themselves. That will damage the batteries.

Thanks,

I will bit use baking soda so.

[sbleiweiss]

I have a pitcher with a stop valve on it like modern fuel containers have. I just push it down on the open cell. If it needs water i will hear it gurgling and it will stop at the correct fill point. Easy, but you need the area above the batteries for access.

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

I have a pitcher with a stop valve on it like modern fuel containers have. I just push it down on the open cell. If it needs water i will hear it gurgling and it will stop at the correct fill point. Easy, but you need the area above the batteries for access.

Access is not great.

I would love a set of AGM's

[Old-Biscuit]

Very FIRST thing you need to do before checkign/topping off battery water levels



FULLY CHARGE THEM.

If you top off first and then charge the water will swell and leak out vents on caps

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Very FIRST thing you need to do before checkign/topping off battery water levels



FULLY CHARGE THEM.

If you top off first and then charge the water will swell and leak out vents on caps

Hi,

Thanks, great advice.

I ran the generator this morning for an hour to top it off.