Adding Distilled Water to OEM Battery -- correct level?
 

I am surprised to find that what should be unambiguous, nevertheless is not at all clear...

After reviewing the manual, peering down each battery cell with a flashlight, consulting various you tube videos (some literally just show a guy pouring water without much thought into the holes), I'm still not 100% clear on how to tell if it's "topped" off.

As I understand it, the bottom of the top leads should just break the surface of the water. Is this correct? I don't quite follow what I should be looking for beyond that, and it's tough to see.

The illustration in the manual isn't very helpful either...

Anybody on here have some 100% clear, even a big idjit like me can understand it advice (other than "Just replace with a maintenance free one as needed)?

BTW, the battery is currently fine, and showing between 14 and 14.5 volts in normal operation, which is supposed to be perfecto (and some variance is normal).

I just want to understand this stupid little bit of maintenance myself. Got distilled water and a dropper all ready.

It's clearly easy to do once you know what you are looking for... I'm just stupid -- help me to be less stupid! :icon14:

There are Min/Max marks on the battery, similar to what you see on the oil dipstick. I had to take the trim piece off the top of the battery compartment and hold a small flashlight behind the battery to see them well.

If you still can't find the Min/Max marks, about 1/2" above the plates is "close."

just look down the holes with your flash light and look at the water reflection as a guide.

there are 2 plastic level indicators inside the holes pointing downward towards the top of the water.

you should see the reflection of the top of the water like (( )) if they are touching the tips of the level indicators. if the reflection is flat, then you need to add some water until you see the water touch the indicators to form the (( )) reflection.

i use a tatoo water bottle like this for precise, drip-free control. :D GL

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I tried that, (but not from the side not behind) and couldn't really see ****, but that's a good idea -- I'll try again, might be easier when a little darker out. Thanks! :tup:

EDIT: I couldn't get a flashlight back there to save my life without removing the battery...

I think that is what I am seeing -- the edges appear to be just touching and are damp looking and darker than the rest of the level indicators, which look a bit on the dry side.

Am I correct that overfilling = above the tips, thus a tad low is preferable to a tad high?

i usually just add until it is touching the water. so maybe 2mm in?

The main thing is the keep the level above the plates. A little too high or low isn't going to hurt anything.

Pick the lowest level cell and start adding water until you see the effect kenchan was talking about. Once you see it, it's pretty obvious.

Okay -- thanks! I think mine are all pretty much perfect then.

Sheesh... now I see why people prefer sealed batteries. Checking every other fluid is a hell of a lot easier and more straightforward... if nothing else because you aren't staring down a narrow, dark hole looking at a clear fluid for a barely visible reflection :icon14:

As an FYI, get a pouring spout that one places on a whiskey bottle and place it on an empty pop bottle. You can use this very easily to add water to the battery. The curve of the spout allows easy access to the battery and voila!

wear safety glasses/goggles and gloves just in case. you dont want that water splashing up into your eye or something while you peek down. :icon17: