Battery
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Senior User
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Battery
I bought a new battery for my truck and noticed that the fluid level is unter the black plastic tube that goes into the battery. (hole).its about mid way from the top of the lead to the plastic. I looked at other batteries and they are they same way. I thought they should be filled to the bottom of the hole. Whats the deal?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 80
From: Northville, MI
I bought a new battery for my truck and noticed that the fluid level is unter the black plastic tube that goes into the battery. (hole).its about mid way from the top of the lead to the plastic. I looked at other batteries and they are they same way. I thought they should be filled to the bottom of the hole. Whats the deal?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,510
Likes: 27
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
I don't know which battery you bought but most non-sealed lead acid batteries should be filled to the level you described. As Moe said a little distilled water should fix that but I would watch that chamber after you use it a bit to make sure that something is not wrong.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
Batteries deteriorate much faster if their water level is low. Most people do not even check the battery water level and just let it evaporate over the years until the battery fails. "Oh well, it was 4 years old and there was nothing I could have done about it." That's wrong. If people will keep their battery filled with distilled water nad keep the cable ends clean, then they can expect much longer battery life. Also, the more lead, the better. So, I am a proponent fo buying the biggerest battery that will fit in your vehicle.
Good luck, Jag
Good luck, Jag
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
Dan, I don't think metal can absorb water. But, I do think that when you have to charge a battery on a charger it generates heat and causes the water in the battery to evaporate. Jag
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,994
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From: Morgan Hill, CA
The plates are elemental lead and lead oxide with a sulphuric acid electrolyte in the charged state
In the discharged state, the plates turn in to lead sulfate and the chemical reaction absorbs water molecules and a portion of the sulphuric acid to make the sulphate.
When discharged, the level of the acid goes down. In storage, as in on the shelf in the auto store, the batteries discharge a little. As long as the acid is above the plates, give it a charge. If it's still low after a full charge, then add some distilled water.
Overcharging can heat up the acid....some of the water will cook off leaving a stronger acid solution...so adding water is OK in that case.
I've seen this plenty of times on airplane batteries....a young industrious mechanic tops up the battery...then runs the engine/alternator. Acid spills all over the battery & battery box & out the drain. It takes a lot of baking soda to clean that mess up!!
In the discharged state, the plates turn in to lead sulfate and the chemical reaction absorbs water molecules and a portion of the sulphuric acid to make the sulphate.
When discharged, the level of the acid goes down. In storage, as in on the shelf in the auto store, the batteries discharge a little. As long as the acid is above the plates, give it a charge. If it's still low after a full charge, then add some distilled water.
Overcharging can heat up the acid....some of the water will cook off leaving a stronger acid solution...so adding water is OK in that case.
I've seen this plenty of times on airplane batteries....a young industrious mechanic tops up the battery...then runs the engine/alternator. Acid spills all over the battery & battery box & out the drain. It takes a lot of baking soda to clean that mess up!!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 80
From: Northville, MI
That's a new one on me. If you have a bad cell in a battery the electrolyte will boil and possibly overflow but if john fin only fills it to the split ring as designed he should be OK.
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