GearJammer
11-24-2005, 06:13 PM
Regular battery maintainence speaks for itself & there's no shortage of info out there on this subject.
The fluid level in the individual cells should be replenished with distilled water only as tap water contains impurities that will hinder the battery's usefulness & shorten it's lifespan. The plates of the battery should be kept covered with fluid, but not above the top line of the battery cell level indicator. Excess fluid will only release more gaseous fumes and/or fluid itself thru the battery vent & could ruin items on the bike.
Topping off the individual cells can be done by using an eyedropper, small funnel or a couple makeshift items. A drinking straw can be used, dipping the straw in the distilled water, then placing a finger over the top of the straw, which creates a "vacuum hold" retaining the distilled water in the straw. Place the straw over the cell, remove finger & let the distilled water flow into the cell. Another makeshift item is a good old ziplock baggie. Snip one bottom corner of the baggie & use it the same as you would for a wine bota bag, controlling the flow of the distilled water by squeezing around the bag.
I usually check & replenish the cell levels with the battery on a level workbench, but some folks recommend checking & replenishing the cell levels while the battery is still installed in the bike & with the bike in an upright position, theory being that this will insure the proper levels for while the bike is actually in use.
Time, impurities & built-up deposits on the plates can eventually wear down a battery's ability to take & hold a proper charge. When this happens, it's usually easier to simply buy a new battery. But even a worn-down battery can be brought back to life if one chooses to do so. Put some baking soda in each cell, let sit for about 1/2 hr., then pour the whole mess out, flushing completely with distilled water & then top off again with new battery acid.
CAUTION: Working with batteries is always a dicey proposition. Please use extreme caution while performing any maintainence procedures.
The fluid level in the individual cells should be replenished with distilled water only as tap water contains impurities that will hinder the battery's usefulness & shorten it's lifespan. The plates of the battery should be kept covered with fluid, but not above the top line of the battery cell level indicator. Excess fluid will only release more gaseous fumes and/or fluid itself thru the battery vent & could ruin items on the bike.
Topping off the individual cells can be done by using an eyedropper, small funnel or a couple makeshift items. A drinking straw can be used, dipping the straw in the distilled water, then placing a finger over the top of the straw, which creates a "vacuum hold" retaining the distilled water in the straw. Place the straw over the cell, remove finger & let the distilled water flow into the cell. Another makeshift item is a good old ziplock baggie. Snip one bottom corner of the baggie & use it the same as you would for a wine bota bag, controlling the flow of the distilled water by squeezing around the bag.
I usually check & replenish the cell levels with the battery on a level workbench, but some folks recommend checking & replenishing the cell levels while the battery is still installed in the bike & with the bike in an upright position, theory being that this will insure the proper levels for while the bike is actually in use.
Time, impurities & built-up deposits on the plates can eventually wear down a battery's ability to take & hold a proper charge. When this happens, it's usually easier to simply buy a new battery. But even a worn-down battery can be brought back to life if one chooses to do so. Put some baking soda in each cell, let sit for about 1/2 hr., then pour the whole mess out, flushing completely with distilled water & then top off again with new battery acid.
CAUTION: Working with batteries is always a dicey proposition. Please use extreme caution while performing any maintainence procedures.