Battery Fluid Level

[gcraig]

I am about to start getting my 83 GS1100GL back on the road. I am going to charge the battery. I need to make sure it is not frozen-up from sitting for a year. But I need to bring the fluid level up to full. My question is I have some acid from another battery is it ok to use acid to fill the battery or should it be distilled water?

[bonanzadave]

From the Yuasa web site.....

http://www.yuasabatteries.com/storage_story2.asp

For a Conventional style battery (those with the liquid electrolyte) you should visually inspect the battery for any apparent problems. These can include dirty or corroded terminal connections, low fluid levels, physical damage such as broken or missing filler caps or dirt and moisture on the battery. If you need to service the battery, it's best to remove it from the vehicle. First insure that the electrolyte levels are properly adjusted. Using distilled water; fill each cell until the level is above the minimum level line on the battery case and at or below the maximum line. Never overfill the battery or leakage will occur. If you discover that the electrolyte levels have fallen below the minimum level lines, there is a possibility that permanent damage may have been done to the internal lead plates in the battery and a new replacement may be required. After adjusting the levels, make sure the filler plugs are secured and the battery is free of dirt and corrosion. If you need to clean the battery, use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize any electrolyte that may be on the outside of the battery. Simply brush this on the battery and terminals using an old paintbrush or tooth brush and rinse it off with clean water. Dry the battery using an old soft rag or paper towel and make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. You can clean the terminals with a small wire brush if the corrosion is significant or just brighten them up using a piece of emery cloth

[marvinsc]

OR Buy a sealed unit and never have to worry about it.

[Matchless]

To clean coroded battery terminals just use boiling water straight from the kettle, as you carefully pour it on the terminal the corrosion just dissolves, no mess. Just do not burn yourself!

[gcraig]

Got the fluid level top off. When I hook the charger it faults out so it must have a short in it. So its time for a new battery. I will get a sealed battery like I got for my Yamaha. I do wont have to worry about over flow in the battery box or on the frame under the bike. Thanks for the replies. I did not think of the baking soda to neutralize any electrolyte.
Your all great folks to be apart of.

[Zook]

Believe it or not Coca-Cola works well, also.

[Steve]

My question is I have some acid from another battery is it ok to use acid to fill the battery or should it be distilled water?

There are only two times you ever add acid to a battery.
1. When you get a new battery that you have to add the acid yourself. Fill the battery, knock it gently on all sides to dislodge air bubbles on the plates. Let it sit for several hours, knocking it to remove air bubbles every once in a while. Add acid if the level is low, charge the battery before ever putting the first load on it. (Yeah, how many of us have ever done all that? )
2. If you are klutzy enough to tip the battery over an spill some acid out of it.

Any other time, you only add distilled water. As a battery charges, some of the water might evaporate, but never the acid. If your charge voltage is high, say, over 14.5 volts, there is a greater likelyhood of evaporation, so you need to keep a closer eye on your electrolyte level.

Best bet, spend the extra money, get a sealed battery. Yeah, it costs more, but you have better cranking power and it will last longer, mostly due to always having the correct amount of electrolyte keeping the plates covered.

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