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Post by naughtyfox on May 21, 2019 6:38:19 GMT
Was just thinking this morning, that one of the first jobs we should do this Summer on arrival at our boat is to dig the batteries out (2 leisure and 1 starter) and check the water level, and add some distilled water if it looks low in the cells. The batteries need taking out and plonking on shore as the cables get in the way of the inspection caps, and, anyway, that will give us the chance to vacuum and clean the surface the batteries stand on.
But then I was thinking, at school we were taught NOT to add water to acid (only the other way around). I have added distilled water to batteries in the past, with no horrible outcome. So... is it OK to do this, and how high should the level of the fluid be above the lead wafers? 1cm? 2cm?
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2019 6:55:19 GMT
Top up with deionised water to the level marker in each cell (there is usually an indicator) but in any case to ensure the plates are covered. I wouldn't bother with the vac, but each to their own  Rog |
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Post by ianali on May 21, 2019 6:56:56 GMT
Was just thinking this morning, that one of the first jobs we should do this Summer on arrival at our boat is to dig the batteries out (2 leisure and 1 starter) and check the water level, and add some distilled water if it looks low in the cells. The batteries need taking out and plonking on shore as the cables get in the way of the inspection caps, and, anyway, that will give us the chance to vacuum and clean the surface the batteries stand on. But then I was thinking, at school we were taught NOT to add water to acid (only the other way around). I have added distilled water to batteries in the past, with no horrible outcome. So... is it OK to do this, and how high should the level of the fluid be above the lead wafers? 1cm? 2cm? Yes it’s ok to add water. Best to top up when batteries are well charged. Water level around 10mm above plates and should be 3 or 4mm below overflow vent. Make sure you clean battery top prior to removing filling caps. |
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Post by ianali on May 21, 2019 6:58:30 GMT
Morning Roger, was good to put a face to your online persona yesterday.
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Post by bodger on May 21, 2019 7:03:33 GMT
you shouldn't add water to concentrated acid because it may splash (bubble and squirt?) in your face . ... battery acid is quite diluted - no problems.
there is summat seriously wrong with your arrangements if you can't remove the caps without taking the batteries out. you should be checking them at least monthly, speshully in the hot weather.
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2019 7:07:04 GMT
Ships that pass ...
Maybe next time it will be possible to meet near a pub.
It was Jane's birthday and we'd arranged to dine at the Boar's Head at Poynton with some friends.
On the way we discovered it had shut down (reopens Friday) so diverted to the Miners at Four Lane Ends.
Once there we discovered they were changing hands, and only had bottled beers. Still the food turned out okay and we had a fun few hours.
I'm guessing pubs up this way have been having a rough ride, but we'll do what we can to help.
Rog
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Post by naughtyfox on May 21, 2019 7:14:12 GMT
Was just thinking this morning, that one of the first jobs we should do this Summer on arrival at our boat is to dig the batteries out (2 leisure and 1 starter) and check the water level, and add some distilled water if it looks low in the cells. The batteries need taking out and plonking on shore as the cables get in the way of the inspection caps, and, anyway, that will give us the chance to vacuum and clean the surface the batteries stand on. But then I was thinking, at school we were taught NOT to add water to acid (only the other way around). I have added distilled water to batteries in the past, with no horrible outcome. So... is it OK to do this, and how high should the level of the fluid be above the lead wafers? 1cm? 2cm? Make sure you clean battery top prior to removing filling caps. ...in case there's a flow from terminal to terminal with a dirty surface or something, I think that's about. Yep, made a note to have surface clean first. We'll fill using a syringe, or by using the tiny funnel I have already packed. |
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Post by ianali on May 21, 2019 7:14:47 GMT
Ships that pass ... Maybe next time it will be possible to meet near a pub. It was Jane's birthday and we'd arranged to dine at the Boar's Head at Poynton with some friends. On the way we discovered it had shut down (reopens Friday) so diverted to the Miners at Four Lane Ends. Once there we discovered they were changing hands, and only had bottled beers. Still the food turned out okay and we had a fun few hours. I'm guessing pubs up this way have been having a rough ride, but we'll do what we can to help. Rog Yes would be good to have a drink sometime. Expect we will cross paths as we are bobbing about on the Macc for a few days. Ali popping home on train again for a couple of days, relative stuff...wish Jane a belated happy birthday from us. |
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Post by ianali on May 21, 2019 7:16:07 GMT
you shouldn't add water to concentrated acid because it may splash (bubble and squirt?) in your face . ... battery acid is quite diluted - no problems. there is summat seriously wrong with your arrangements if you can't remove the caps without taking the batteries out. you should be checking them at least monthly, speshully in the hot weather. Good points. I always wear safety glasses and old clothes. |
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Post by ianali on May 21, 2019 7:17:22 GMT
Make sure you clean battery top prior to removing filling caps. ...in case there's a flow from terminal to terminal with a dirty surface or something, I think that's about. Yep, made a note to have surface clean first. We'll fill using a syringe, or by using the tiny funnel I have already packed. Also stops any debris from accidentally falling into the cells. |
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Post by naughtyfox on May 21, 2019 7:19:28 GMT
there is summat seriously wrong with your arrangements if you can't remove the caps without taking the batteries out. It all looks rather a mess down there. When we first bought the boat a 'mechanic' changed the alternator belt for us, and looked at the battery cables and said "I'd do this and I'd do that..." to make them 'proper' or better. I do not know how battery cables should look like, but it has also been pointed out to us that, if everything works (and it does seem to, after 5 years' experience), leave it all alone and don't worry! I do like to tinker, though - not in an interfering, busybody way, but to check that all is OK and can things be improved. |
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Post by naughtyfox on May 21, 2019 7:26:59 GMT
What is this? Once again did he raise his arm in greeting, you did the same, and you kept moving and thinking why is that bloke still looking at us - and if he wants to, he can just jog up the towpath and catch us easily - but he didn't, but just moaned later on a forum that you're an antisocial git? |
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Post by Mr Stabby on May 21, 2019 7:43:59 GMT
you shouldn't add water to concentrated acid because it may splash (bubble and squirt?) in your face . ... battery acid is quite diluted - no problems. there is summat seriously wrong with your arrangements if you can't remove the caps without taking the batteries out. you should be checking them at least monthly, speshully in the hot weather. My batteries are partly under the gunwales and need to be disconnected and pulled out to remove the caps, I imagine this is quite common in shorter trad stern boats. |
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2019 7:45:16 GMT
We stopped ... exchanged greetings and the usual pleasantries, and continued on our separate ways.
To jog up the towpath, I suspect, would be more in the line of stalking.
Rog
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Post by Mr Stabby on May 21, 2019 8:51:59 GMT
Looks like somebody had a "narrow escape". |
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