Community Forums

KSCRUDE · 07-21-2013, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogpatch

So if I want to put mineral oil in my batteries now and they are full up to the bottom of the plastic rim, how much do I take out? Down to the plates? I'm not sure and don't want to screw them up!

I removed about 3 oz from each cell with a turkey baster. Then measured 2 oz of oil with baster and put in each cell. Then topped off water to desired level. 12 volt battery's get 2 oz per cell. 6 volt battery's get 4 oz per cell, for a total of 12 oz of mineral oil in each battery, weather 6 or 12 volt. I even did the coach battery, and the two house battery's. I only have 3 battery's and dry camp a lot and never have a problem. In the winter time only need the geny about 1 hour in the morning, and one at night. In warmer weather it runs most of the time for AC anyway. Oh and Newmar puts a great big ol 5 amp solar panel on the roof, as standard equipment, which is about like fighting a forest fire with a garden hose.

Dunner · 07-21-2013, 09:30 AM

I used a turkey baster and a measuring cup. Poured the acid on some weeds.

TRAILERKING · 07-21-2013, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogpatch

So if I want to put mineral oil in my batteries now and they are full up to the bottom of the plastic rim, how much do I take out? Down to the plates? I'm not sure and don't want to screw them up!

This is how I did mine.
1 Used turkey baster and sucked out all to the top of the plates
2 Added 4oz in each cell
3 Topped up with acid
4 Put beautiful batteries back in bay
5 Installed new cables
6 Admired ever since

Dunner · 07-21-2013, 08:14 PM

That's about what I did. Mine were full, so I used a baster to remove 4 oz per cell, then added mineral oil till they were at the split ring. That was probably 9 months to a year ago and they are still at the split ring.

I put an equalize charge on a couple months ago and all I saw was slow bubbles.

It's been posted about getting the oil on the plates, but I don't remember the final decision as to if that is detrimental or not.

Dogpatch · 07-21-2013, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

That's about what I did. Mine were full, so I used a baster to remove 4 oz per cell, then added mineral oil till they were at the split ring. That was probably 9 months to a year ago and they are still at the split ring.

I put an equalize charge on a couple months ago and all I saw was slow bubbles.

It's been posted about getting the oil on the plates, but I don't remember the final decision as to if that is detrimental or not.

I'd take it down till water still covered plates. Then add the mineral oil. I bought some at Walmart today. Thanks to whoever suggested that place.

tedgard01 · 07-21-2013, 08:31 PM

Amazing, 33 posts on cell water level in the batteries.... I never imagined that this was such a terribly difficult subject, not even that interesting.... Lol

Mr_D · 07-21-2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSCRUDE

Oh and Newmar puts a great big ol 5 amp solar panel on the roof, as standard equipment, which is about like fighting a forest fire with a garden hose.

All that does is keep the starting batteries topped off while stored AFAIK. Not made to keep them charged while in use

Mr_D · 07-21-2013, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedgard01

not even that interesting.... Lol

So.... only read and comment on the threads that interest you.

Dunner · 07-21-2013, 08:37 PM

5 amps, without a controller, is quite a bit when being stored. Me thinks it would cook a battery dry in short order.

Dunner · 07-21-2013, 08:41 PM

Why mineral oil? Would other kinds of oil work? I think veggie type oil would get gummy after a while.

tedgard01 · 07-21-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

So.... only read and comment on the threads that interest you.

Oh, I see Dunner posted, this must be a very interesting topic!

PushedAround · 07-22-2013, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

Why mineral oil? Would other kinds of oil work? I think veggie type oil would get gummy after a while.

My batteries were made in Italy. Should I use Olive oil?

JohnT · 07-22-2013, 06:09 PM

Thanks for the info, the tips on where to acquire the mineral oil and the steps to get it the mineral oil installed.

What a wealth of info.

Another item on my list of things to do.

FloraBama · 07-30-2013, 07:32 PM

After adding water to my batteries over the past few years, at some point do I need to add acid? If so, where do you get it?

I also do like the mineral oil idea and right now I have one leaking battery so I might try this method to see if I can get a few more months service out of it.