Adding Distilled Water to OEM Battery -- correct level?

Jordo! · 11-18-2013, 12:14 PM

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!

SouthArk370Z · 11-18-2013, 12:19 PM

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."

kenchan · 11-18-2013, 12:41 PM

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.

GL

Amico Tattoo Wash Cleaning Green Soap Holder Clear White Plastic Squeeze Bottle 500mL: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Jordo! · 11-18-2013, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

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."

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!

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

Jordo! · 11-18-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

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.

GL

Amico Tattoo Wash Cleaning Green Soap Holder Clear White Plastic Squeeze Bottle 500mL: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

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?

kenchan · 11-18-2013, 01:00 PM

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

SouthArk370Z · 11-18-2013, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

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?

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.

Jordo! · 11-18-2013, 02:09 PM

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

mults · 11-19-2013, 07:40 AM

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!

kenchan · 11-19-2013, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

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

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.

11-18-2013, 12:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 418	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! __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

11-18-2013, 12:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324198	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." physics likes this. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

11-18-2013, 12:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	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. GL Amico Tattoo Wash Cleaning Green Soap Holder Clear White Plastic Squeeze Bottle 500mL: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific SouthArk370Z likes this.

11-18-2013, 02:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 418	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 __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

11-19-2013, 07:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
mults A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Cleveland, OH Age: 70 Posts: 1,830 Drives: 2010 (40th) #706 Rep Power: 16886	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! __________________ mults 40th Anniversary 'Z', 312.06HP/260.58TQ (Dynosty EcuTek Tune) Build Date/Number: 1/27/2010 #706 Berk HFC + CBE, R2C CAI, Clear Bra, Cleveland Z Club

11-18-2013, 01:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i usually just add until it is touching the water. so maybe 2mm in?

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