Battery Question
SteveB
in don't work any more, can't be fixed die. The other day, I went to charge
one, and the levels were far down. I put the damn expensive battery water
in there (duh, next time, I'll use distilled), but they won't really hold a
good charge.
Question: When the levels are low like that, wouldn't it be better to put
electrolyte in there?
I know it would only prolong the inevitable, but at least I could get a
couple of extra months on them, or move them to the electric ATV/motorcycle
toys for the five year olds that I currently am buying spendy sealed
batteries for. They'd be good enough for that.
Steve
Jim Wilkins
Low electrolyte level suggests OVERcharging, as long as all the cells
are down about the same amount.
jsw
Lloyd E. Sponenburgh
news:fbk7q6-...@news.infowest.com:
>
> Question: When the levels are low like that, wouldn't it be better to
> put electrolyte in there?
>
The electrolyte is already in there, more concentrated than it should be.
Only the water boils out with charging.
Your basic problem is that you're not maintaining them properly. Don't
LET them get low. Fill them EVERY time they need it (with distilled
water (what the HELL is "expensive 'battery water'"?) Charge them when
they need it, and don't over-charge. Keep them clean, and the terminals
corrosion-free.
They should last three to five years.
LLoyd
Jim Wilkins
<lloydspinsidemindspring.com> wrote:
> "SteveB" <oldf...@depends.com> fired this volley innews:fbk7q6-...@news.infowest.com:
Is there anything wrong with the rest of the electrical system, such
as broken or missing headlights? The battery could be swallowing extra
current meant for the bulb.
jsw
SteveB
"Lloyd E. Sponenburgh" <lloydspinsidemindspring.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9CA0CFB245730ll...@216.168.3.70...
Look Lloyd, we're all entitled to do something stupid occasionally. I went
to the auto store, and I needed some water to put into my batteries, since
people said DO NOT put tap water in there. So, they had a gallon for like
$8, BUT, it specifically said it was new and improved battery water, so I
bought a gallon.
Now, my question is: do you think I'll buy another?
Steve
Larry Jaques
<old...@depends.com> scrawled the following:
>I have three ATVs, which seem to have batteries that die rather quickly, as
>in don't work any more, can't be fixed die. The other day, I went to charge
>one, and the levels were far down. I put the damn expensive battery water
>in there (duh, next time, I'll use distilled), but they won't really hold a
>good charge.
Remember, a low battery shows low levels. When the electrolyte is
charged, it automatically comes up a bit. Don't fill before charging
if you can help it. And if you are THAT low, you should have been
adding water as it came out. Don't you check it when you change oil
and do the regular maintenance chores? Shame, shame!
>Question: When the levels are low like that, wouldn't it be better to put
>electrolyte in there?
No, that would throw off the acid/water balance and ruin the battery.
>I know it would only prolong the inevitable, but at least I could get a
>couple of extra months on them, or move them to the electric ATV/motorcycle
>toys for the five year olds that I currently am buying spendy sealed
>batteries for. They'd be good enough for that.
Put them on a trickle charger for a few days, then look again. If
they haven't charged by then, they probably won't.
--
Seen on a bumper sticker: ARM THE HOMELESS
Steve Lusardi
SteveB,
It is clear you have not maintained these batteries. Battery consumption starts the day they are made and is actually quite
linear. This degradation appears as capacity loss in coulombs, even with the best care. Poor maintenance just quickens that
slippery slope. There are measures you can take to extend their life, like desulphaters and the like, but I for one don't consider
them economical. My advise is buy new ones and purchase "Smart" chargers like "Battery Tender" for each one. Immediately after
use, plug them in. These things really work and they pay for themselves in short order.
Steve
Lloyd E. Sponenburgh
> Look Lloyd, we're all entitled to do something stupid occasionally. I
> went to the auto store, and I needed some water to put into my
> batteries, since people said DO NOT put tap water in there. So, they
> had a gallon for like $8, BUT, it specifically said it was new and
> improved battery water, so I bought a gallon.
>
I didn't ask to call you stupid, I asked what it was. Here in red-neck
shade-tree mechanic land, if a parts store dared to carry something that
outrageous, they'd probably get dope-slapped by every customer who came
through the door. They carry enough dumb-shit useless accessories as it
is.
Besides, most grocery stores carry "new and improved battery water" in
the bottled water department <G>. (always have, for steam irons)
LLoyd
Bill Noble
"Steve Lusardi" <steve...@lusardi.de> wrote in message
news:has68k$svv$03$1...@news.t-online.com...
Steve L - are you aware of a source for a 6V smart charger I could use to
maintain battery on an older car - Iknow I could build one, but today I'm
lazy
SteveB
Not to worry, Lloyd. I have had many much more expensive lessons in my
life, and I can stand tall when I've done something stupid, knowing someone
will top me and dethrone me within a week.
Steve
SteveB
"Steve Lusardi" <steve...@lusardi.de> wrote in message
news:has68k$svv$03$1...@news.t-online.com...
>
Have looked at, and am considering them. But, as I need four of them, it's
groceries this week or battery tenders. So far, the vote is 2-0. (My wife
gets two votes, and I don't get to vote.) I want to rig them with a two pin
connector so I just have to plug it in, as a couple of these, you have to
remove brackets to even get the battery clips on there, which is why I don't
take better care of them.
Steve
Larry Jaques
<old...@depends.com> scrawled the following:
>
Which is why gel cells should have been installed (at the damned
manufacturing plant) in the first place...
--
The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life,
acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can
do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man.
-- Euripides
BobH
Steve,
As several people have commented, losing electrolyte usually comes from
overcharging. I am assuming that you are not hooking these things up to
a battery charger and doing it manually, so it sounds like the charging
circuit on the ATV is running too high. If you have access to a decent
voltmeter, you can check it yourself. At cruising RPM, it should
probably show about 13.6 to 13.8 Volts. At idle it will be lower, and
not relevent. If they have light switches, try turning on the lights and
see if the voltage comes down at cruise RPM. Even leaving the lights on
should help with the overcharging. All the motorcyles I have messed with
since the late 70's have had sealed (non adjustable) electronic voltage
regulators.
As for putting motorcycle batteries in the toys, I would not. The last
thing you want is a 5 year old spilling sulfuric acid when they turn
over their toys. You can't block the vent, because they put off hydrogen
when you charge them.
Good Luck
BobH
Carl Ijames
> it's groceries this week or battery tenders. So far, the vote is 2-0.
> (My wife gets two votes, and I don't get to vote.) I want to rig them
> with a two pin connector so I just have to plug it in, as a couple of
> these, you have to remove brackets to even get the battery clips on there,
> which is why I don't take better care of them.
Get one tender and move it from battery to battery every few days. If a
battery goes down significantly that fast there's something draining it.
-----
Regards,
Carl Ijames
N Morrison
"... it specifically said it was new and improved battery water"
Yeah, and New Coke is better than Classic Coke.
There's nothing better than distilled water. Nothing. Old battery guys
often build a distiller.
If you can find bottled water with no additives that's good. Second is
defrost water from the freezer.
cl...@snyder.on.ca
<novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
>On Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:09:51 -0600, the infamous "SteveB"
><old...@depends.com> scrawled the following:
>
>>I have three ATVs, which seem to have batteries that die rather quickly, as
>>in don't work any more, can't be fixed die. The other day, I went to charge
>>one, and the levels were far down. I put the damn expensive battery water
>>in there (duh, next time, I'll use distilled), but they won't really hold a
>>good charge.
>
>Remember, a low battery shows low levels. When the electrolyte is
>charged, it automatically comes up a bit. Don't fill before charging
>if you can help it. And if you are THAT low, you should have been
>adding water as it came out. Don't you check it when you change oil
>and do the regular maintenance chores? Shame, shame!
>
Not true about the level coming up from charge. It MAY come up from
heat when charging - and ALWAYS top up before charging. The charging
action mixes the water with the electrolyte. Adding after charging
leaves the acid stratified - which is not good.
NEVER let the level get low enough to uncover the tops of the plates.
If they are using a lot of water, check the charging voltage - a poor
ground on the regulator (assuming it has one) will cause high voltage.
Some of the cheap crap is unregulated - depends on load to limit
voltage.
SteveB
"Carl Ijames" <x...@yyy.zzz> wrote in message
news:yQoAm.27935$tG1....@newsfe22.iad...
I had thought of that, too. I have an Arctic Cat that is used as much as a
tractor around here. Then there's the Honda 2wd TRX 300 that is my favorite
for trail rides, even though it stomped me and broke my back. (my fault,
not the bikes) Then, I have a very old one of the first Honda 400 4wd that
has a turning greater than a Mack truck. I say I use them in the order of
80%, 18%, and 2%. So, yes, a tender that I can move around would be good.
How about the idea of the two pin connector? Two of these have metal bands
you have to remove just to get the battery charger connected.
Steve
Carl Ijames
of clip on leads and a pigtail for permanent installation that can each plug
into the output connector. The instruction sheet gave ordering instructions
for extras. I've also heard of wiring the output to a cigarette lighter
plug for easy connection on a car in storage. Like others said, make sure
your problem is discharge while stored, and not overcharging.
--
-----
Regards,
Carl Ijames
"SteveB" <old...@depends.com> wrote in message
news:2q1aq6-...@news.infowest.com...
cavelamb
Back in my biker days, the common expression about battery life went
something like...
Ride every day, battery lasts 5 years.
Ride once a week, it lasts one year.
Ride once a month, kick start it...
:)
dan
rec.crafts.metalworking mine and will die if we don't mount a rescue
by Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:35:46 -0700:
>are you aware of a source for a 6V smart charger I could use to
>maintain battery on an older car - Iknow I could build one, but today I'm
>lazy
Wal-mart sells a good 1.5 amp 6/12 volt charger. I think the brand
name is Shumacher. It has a three stage charging cycle.
--
Dan H.
northshore MA.
Steve W.
Where have you been buying the batts?
I would also check the charging system, it sounds like they are
overcharging. Not uncommon if the ATV has a loose ground or two or the
terminals are crap. It is possible to install better regulators on them.
I do it as a matter of routine with Emergency ATVs, all the extra lights
and gear can kill the standard piece they use. I use a heavy duty GM unit.
IF you can find a dealer you can buy sealed AGM types that can be
installed. Not cheap but they tend to hold up better especially if you
get the voltage under control.
Oh and for the battery tender, There is an EASY connection system. Buy a
few power outlet/Cigar lighter socket. Then you can use it for more than
one thing, AND you can buy a Battery Tender with more than one output
line as well.
--
Steve W.
Larry Jaques
<old...@depends.com> scrawled the following:
>
Have you checked those little solar float chargers on eBay for 5-ish
bucks apiece? They might work for you. http://fwd4.me/Pj