Batteries Replaced for $3. Is this too good to be true? Battery Reconditioning Dust? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

777funk · #1 08-04-2009, 10:44 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuZhf2J-NIg

http://cgi.ebay.com/LEAD-ACID-CAR-BATTERY-RECONDITIONING-SAMPLE-KIT_W0QQitemZ390076509244QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad25f2c3c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Snake Oil? or something that actually works for long term?

If this actually worked long term, us Diesel Discussion guys could save quite a bit in battery costs since our batteries are more than the gassers. My MB battery was around $100 and my truck's batteries are even more since there are two of them.

Actros617 · #2 08-04-2009, 11:01 AM

You can just go and buy some car battery distilled water and add it to the battery, when a battery cant keeps its own charge most likely the battery water is probably low.

777funk · #3 08-04-2009, 11:28 AM

The guy in the video mentions Electrolyte. I remember dumping a bottle of acid/electrolyte in a motorcycle battery a couple years ago. It came with the battery.

This guy seems to be selling some chemical powder that dissolves in the battery fluid.

Matt L · #4 08-04-2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

MARKETING SUGGESTIONS

We suggest that you charge $24.00 minimum with an exchange battery in trade for your rebuilt batteries. Your warrantee should be twelve months prorated at one twelfth per month ($2.00) in this example. Remember that the most successful companies today are the ones who give excellent customer service. Be fair with your customers and don't be afraid to replace the product or give them their money back. It always pays in the long run.

Does he take his own suggestion?

Quote:

Refunds & Returns
Our general policy is ALL SALES ARE FINAL, HOWEVER WE WILL REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE.

KarTek · #5 08-04-2009, 11:41 AM

It's like it was written by a computer...

kingdoc1 · #6 08-04-2009, 12:32 PM

Snake Oil!!!

No bad batteries are being "fixed", just poorly maintained and discharged batteries being cleaned and charged.

When I worked in auto parts years ago, I found that most people assumed that anything electrical wrong with their car was the battery's fault, so that was their first guess. We used to test core batteries with a load tester, then just charge the ones that passed and use them as store loaners. Not uncommon to find several a day.

These people are just taking advantage of most people's faulty troubleshooting skills, usually by the time the average car owner figures out that his problem wasn't the battery he has already replaced it, thus there are alot of serviceable batteries out there that just need some distilled water and a good trickle charge, no magic involved.

777funk · #7 08-04-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingdoc1

Snake Oil!!!

No bad batteries are being "fixed", just poorly maintained and discharged batteries being cleaned and charged.

When I worked in auto parts years ago, I found that most people assumed that anything electrical wrong with their car was the battery's fault, so that was their first guess. We used to test core batteries with a load tester, then just charge the ones that passed and use them as store loaners. Not uncommon to find several a day.

These people are just taking advantage of most people's faulty troubleshooting skills, usually by the time the average car owner figures out that his problem wasn't the battery he has already replaced it, thus there are alot of serviceable batteries out there that just need some distilled water and a good trickle charge, no magic involved.

If you see the video (linked in the first post), the guy is not adding water (at least in the instance of the battery in the video). He's testing for electrolyte level and adding powder which I'm guessing is a charge of electrolyte.

barry123400 · #8 08-04-2009, 01:53 PM

There have been many types of supposed battery rejuvination methods projected over the years. None have become consistant standards it seems. some like javex may have been even dangerous. Thats because all they offer is usually very short term relief periods I suppose.

Keeping the electroylite level up and using the battery normally seems to give maximum usable lifespan. I have come to believe that a battery out of service for prolonged periods like the wintertimes should have the electroylite dumped out. Otherwise sulfation seems to develop quickly.

Then just before reusage is to resume put the electyolite back in. Use a full face mask when dumping and rubber gloves plus old clothes of course. Store the solution in a stoppered glass bottle. The battery will be at the same charge rate as it was when the electrolite was removed for all practical purposes next spring.

If it's good enough for the U.S. navy to get fifteen years out of their batteries subject to many storage periods it's good enough for me.

Whatever you do just do not drain a current manufactured lead acid battery way down. It seems to really effect their lifespan drastically in far too many cases.

#9 08-04-2009, 02:03 PM

Snake oil, a lot of things will dissolve into battery acid not a one of which would I actually put into my battery. Lead Acid batterys are still fairly simple the key to most "faliures" is that the foward reaction and reverse reaction is never completed to 100%. This will result in the lead plates being eaten and such. If you need more life then add distilled water or battery acid. I would be careful of the EDTA it is a cytotoxin and genotoxin. Also it is mainly used to sequester metal ions but in a battery these are part of the reaction both foward and reverse so I personally would not add it.

kingdoc1 · #10 08-04-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 777funk

If you see the video (linked in the first post), the guy is not adding water (at least in the instance of the battery in the video). He's testing for electrolyte level and adding powder which I'm guessing is a charge of electrolyte.

I was not able to download the video, due to a poor internet connection, however, if you scroll down through the Ebay ad, you will see this:

3. One more set of tests that you can perform just to be sure is the cell test. We do two of them. One with a voltmeter and one with the battery hydrometer. If the battery has caps, pry them off. If it is sealed, drill the holes in the top of each cell with a stop drill so you won't hit the plates and damage them. Make sure all the cells have water covering the top of the plates. This could be the problem to start with.

You will notice, if you read the entire procedure, that what they are doing in the testing stage is essentially determining that the battery is good (load test,specific gravity test,cell voltage test) and probably just in need of some water and a good charge. I would be willing to wager that in at least 90% of the cases, the mystery additive is not even needed.

As others have stated, I am sure the magic powder is just a chemical added in the hopes it will remove enough sulphate build-up from the plates to temporarily improve the battery's performance.

Also previously stated, I would find out exactly what is in this mystery powder before handling it, dumping in my battery, or breathing its fumes. You might find it much more expensive healthwise than a new battery.

777funk · #11 08-04-2009, 11:57 AM

seems like the guy has good feedback.

rs899 · #12 08-04-2009, 12:26 PM

I didn't see the video but I have been doing some reading that disodium EDTA may increase battery life.

777funk · #13 08-04-2009, 12:35 PM

The thing that I question is that I've always heard the plates (I'm assuming lead) get warped from heat. I don't think ANYTHING You can dump into the battery could cause this to no longer be a problem.

ah-kay · #14 08-04-2009, 03:36 PM

Lead acid bettery suffers from "sulfation" over time and reduces the effective surface area of the lead plate. The power added in the video is probably Epsom salt ( Magnesium sulfate ) or ETDA. It can break down the cystalized lead sulfate 'sulfation' and restore the battery life for a short time. For how long, no one knows. It may worth trying if you have a depleted battery that would not charge. It may work but don't expect it to be 'as new' or last for a long time.

Actros617 · #15 08-04-2009, 03:43 PM

What's that powder, BAKING SODA?