Back again...........with yet another question (this is the only site I feel comfortable asking questions on as everyone is so helpful and no-one ever makes me feel like a bit of a dill for not being technically minded).
I had two new deep cycle batteries installed in the van and I know I have to top up each cell with distilled water, and that it's a big no no to overfill the cells, but my problem is, that I have trouble seeing the lead (?) marker so that I don't overfill the batteries. I bought a top notch torch in the hope that it would better enable me to see the marker level, but it hasn't helped much at all.
Does anyone else have this problem? I would really appreciate any tips.
Keep Smiling
DeBe said
11:20 PM Mar 5, 2011
Hi Cee, Picture of inside my battery, there is a piece of tubing protrudes down from the filler I find a reasonable level is a couple of millimeters down from the end of the tube.
ozjohn said
10:24 AM Mar 6, 2011
My knowledge of most things electricakl is extremely limited, but yes, a torch is probably your best option. You may also consider useing a cheap magnifing glass available from the budget asian shops. The main problem with overfilling is that as the battery is charged it may overflow. This won't hurt the battery, but the overflow is Sulphuric Acid and it will eat into just about anything it touches. Next time your up for batteries go for sealed AGM batteries. Cheers, ozjohn.
The Rat said
01:31 PM Mar 6, 2011
I have always filled up my batteries to the bottom of the filler holes.No more or the battery can overflow when it warms up.Correct me if I am wrong.We all learn something new everyday.
milo said
09:59 AM Mar 7, 2011
i use the non maintence batteries ..
Cee said
07:49 PM Mar 8, 2011
Thanks for the replies. I did consider putting gel batteries in the van, but as it's a second hand van, the previous owner welder steel plate holders for the batteries and the gel batteries were considerably larger and couldn't fit the brackets.
Thanks again for the tips, much appreciated.
Keep Smiling
wizz97 said
09:02 PM Mar 27, 2011
Use a strip of cardboard and dip into cell. Should be 10mm above plates, no more. By the way what rating is on the batteries. I ask because I see so many starting batteries being passed off as deep cycle. If it has a CCA rating on it it aint no deep cycle. I hope there not in the cabin area, very dangerous. As someone mentioned AGM are dearer but charge quiker and are more forgiving if flattened. Usually a ten year service life.
Back again...........with yet another question (this is the only site I feel comfortable asking questions on as everyone is so helpful and no-one ever makes me feel like a bit of a dill for not being technically minded).
I had two new deep cycle batteries installed in the van and I know I have to top up each cell with distilled water, and that it's a big no no to overfill the cells, but my problem is, that I have trouble seeing the lead (?) marker so that I don't overfill the batteries. I bought a top notch torch in the hope that it would better enable me to see the marker level, but it hasn't helped much at all.
Does anyone else have this problem? I would really appreciate any tips.
Keep Smiling
The main problem with overfilling is that as the battery is charged it may overflow.
This won't hurt the battery, but the overflow is Sulphuric Acid and it will eat into just about anything it touches.
Next time your up for batteries go for sealed AGM batteries.
Cheers, ozjohn.
Thanks again for the tips, much appreciated.
Keep Smiling
Use a strip of cardboard and dip into cell. Should be 10mm above plates, no more. By the way what rating is on the batteries. I ask because I see so many starting batteries being passed off as deep cycle. If it has a CCA rating on it it aint no deep cycle. I hope there not in the cabin area, very dangerous. As someone mentioned AGM are dearer but charge quiker and are more forgiving if flattened. Usually a ten year service life.