Battery water level?

[surfstar]

I actually popped the covers off my battery yesterday while doing other maintenance to see if it needed any water (never done this before). The level was the same in all the cells, but I couldn't tell if they were low or not. The Chilton manual says that it needs to be up to the snap ring or outside marking level. ??

I couldn't tell either way and imagine that filling up to the brim wouldn't be good either.

 

[andyd]

as long as the plates are covered its fine. Use a flashlight to see the level. Topping them off is prolly a good idea.

 

[labman]

Often there is sort of a slotted tube sticking down. Fill to the bottom of the tube. You want enough water that the top of the plates is never dry, without sloshing acid out, usually about an inch and a half below the top. No idea what Chilton's means by snap ring. About what I expect of them.

Off topic: Found this link on another site, http://www.carbuyingtips.com/jumpstart.htm That is exactly how all of us have always done it, right?

 

[surfstar]

thats basically how i've jumped my cars. noticed that the pic was of a 2.5L v6 KLD mazda engine.

the tops of the plates are definately covered and it is probably ~1.5" down, so i guess its a-ok. just didn't believe the "maintenance free" part when i can remove the caps. thanks guys.

 

[kc8adu]

according to trojan ihe ideal level is within 1/8 in from bottom of the well that leads into each cell.this is after charging as electrolyte level rises during charging.this is for the l16 units we use in solar setups but most will be similar.
at least you have caps!
you would be surprised how many battery explosions are caused by running them dry.

 

[The_Jeff]

What's funny/sad is how many maintenance-required batteries are disguised, through recessed caps, as maintenance-free batteries.

As you're checking yours, you're in a minority, I'm sure.

 

[Curious Kid]

Last fall I checked mine. Noticed the level below the split tube so I used distilled water to bring it just up to the ends. I then put it on a slow charger for a few hours. No problems, except that I later noticed some electrolyte on the top of the battery.

I washed around the battery but haven't yet noted the levels in the cells - I bet they are close to where they were previously, plates still covered at least. I ponder if the Voltage regulation on the altenator is a little high in this Volvo...I'm watching it.

A word of caution - wear safety glasses and be aware of the potential for explosion due to release of hydrogen gas, especially while a battery is or just has been charged.