battery level

[mjoekingz28]

Hey I know it is recommended to use distilled water in your battery, but how do you know you have the proper level?

Last time I just filled it to the brim and then had a lot of corrosion all around and underneath the battery. Now I took some out and the corrosion is gone, but may be too low again.

 

[Cup of Joe]

You do not fill a lead acid battery to the brim. As a general rule if all of the plates are covered equally you are good to go. Never fill them to the top since the fluid will expand and leak out.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/bb/bbdc5178-a8c3-4815-9eaa-b65509a1b713.pdf

 

[Drew99GT]

There are tabs/rings that extend down into the electrolyte from the openings on the top of the battery - the level should be right at the bottom of those tabs. If the level is below them, add just enough until the electrolyte level touches the tabs.

 

[mechanicx]

You overfilled. What Drew said, fill to the bottom of the tabs/slots.

 

[daves87rs]

Overfilled.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Now I know.

thanks everyone

nice diagram Tater

 

[Dave Hess]

The past 25 years I have used tap water with no problems.