Tired of batteries in storage going bad. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

barry123400 · #1 12-11-2005, 03:38 PM

Wonder if just dumping the electrolyte and storing the battery dry would help at all. Anyone ever try this? Seems even some of the guys that use constant low trickle chargers are loosing their batteries as well. Any sugestions as it is getting really tiring to loose so many batteries. Today I charged two batteries on cars that have been sitting since spring to move them. Both batteries will take a limited charge but know they will not retain it and are shot but were perfectly good last spring.

t walgamuth · #2 12-11-2005, 03:53 PM

about removing the acid.

they shouldnt lose capabilities that soon i wouldn't think. i let my scout sit about that long and the batteries seem to last about four years or so,

are you using a good battery? and are you disconnecting them so you are sure there is not a trickle loss?

tom w

Tirebiter · #3 12-11-2005, 04:14 PM

We use 1.5 amp chargers to keep our long term storage vehicle batteries fresh.

barry123400 · #4 12-11-2005, 05:43 PM

Some are disconnected totally as in the cases the car might become a fire hazzard in it's storage location. On most or the cars I usually install a post disconnect switch. Can be had very cheap now compared to first introductions. Although since about 1955 cars are fairly well protected by fused circuits. Others batteries are still connected. your right of course as a clock circuit even makes a small drain. Suspect batteries are sulphating bad. 1.5 amps trickle seems a little high but if you are not experiencing any damage it is obviously ok. Most trickle chargers my friend has deliver very little by comparison. sold as specially item but basically 12v ac adapters delivering about 500ma direct current available at yard sales for about 50c each. Some of my cars are not used for two-three years or even longer and they are the reason I want to find a better storage method if possible. Will probably try dumping the acid and store the battery upside down so any internal acid remaining will clear the plates. Just broached the subject as sure others are in simular situations. I may be pretty certain I am going to use a specific car next year but when the time comes am commited to something else and never get the chance. Best laid plans of men and mice I suppose.

DieselCJ · #5 12-11-2005, 06:00 PM

A friend with many vehicles in storage uses these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=41288

aklim · #6 12-11-2005, 11:02 PM

Is there any truth to the mumblings that battery on concrete is bad?

rwthomas1 · #7 12-11-2005, 11:23 PM

I used to have a bunch of motorcycles. I had one of these http://batterytender.com/product_info.php?products_id=2 hooked up to each bike over the winters and when I wasn't using them for more than a few weeks. Once I started using the Battery Tender(s) I never lost another battery. They work very well and supposedly only charge when needed as they have some sort of voltage circuitry to switch them on and off when needed. They aren't cheap but they work. RT

DieselCJ · #8 12-12-2005, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwthomas1

I used to have a bunch of motorcycles. I had one of these http://batterytender.com/product_info.php?products_id=2

That is a great unit, here is where I got mine for $36.95

http://www.accwhse.com/batteryt.htm

-John

t walgamuth · #9 12-12-2005, 05:10 AM

the sitting on concrete thing is true. no scientific data to support this though. i alway sit them on something. cant remember if i have direct experience with failure though. i have been doing this forever. 25 years at least.

tom w

J. R. B. · #10 12-12-2005, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Is there any truth to the mumblings that battery on concrete is bad?

My Dad was always on my butt to store the batteries on wood. Every year it is a ritual to take all the batteries out of the equipment and vehicles that won't be used over winter. They are lined up on the wood battery bench and my Dad goes to work. After he checks the electrolyte each battery gets a slow discharge. When it is discharged he gives it a quick charge. Later on in March he does the same thing again only this time he gives them a slow charge. Don't ask me why he does it. All I know is that I'm going on ten years on a couple of batteries that he takes care of. I asked him once and he mumbled something about submarine batteries when he was on the Navy yard in early WWII. Maybe one of you can figure out his methods. It's working so I leave him alone.

Pete Burton · #11 12-12-2005, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. R. B.

My Dad was always on my butt to store the batteries on wood. Every year it is a ritual to take all the batteries out of the equipment and vehicles that won't be used over winter. They are lined up on the wood battery bench and my Dad goes to work. After he checks the electrolyte each battery gets a slow discharge. When it is discharged he gives it a quick charge. Later on in March he does the same thing again only this time he gives them a slow charge. Don't ask me why he does it. All I know is that I'm going on ten years on a couple of batteries that he takes care of. I asked him once and he mumbled something about submarine batteries when he was on the Navy yard in early WWII. Maybe one of you can figure out his methods. It's working so I leave him alone.

your dad was correct. However, batteries no longer have the tar/wood type construction but typically a polypropylene case. A clean, modern battery shouldn't discharge through a concrete floor, but if it has electrolyte spilled all over it then I think it may. (it would also discharge across the poles via the electrolyte if you think about it, so keep it reasonably clean). I put my batteries on a piece of wood to keep electrolyte off the concrete. Either way, the wood won't hurt anything.

dannym · #12 12-12-2005, 09:08 AM

I was wondering, if you dump the acid how are you going to replace it?

Also the acid content changes with the charge. A fully charged battery will have high acidity.
A dead battery will have low acidity.

I once saw someone try to charge a dead battery and the poles were wrong and it exploded in his face. I also saw someone try to check the level in a battery with a lighter.

also exploding in his face.
Both of them came out OK. Now try that with a fully charged battery and you have a different story. Of course noone attempts charging a charged battery.

Anyway if you want to dump the electrolyte totally discharge the battery first. Then when you need it just add water.

Danny

Oilbrnr · #13 12-12-2005, 11:24 AM

I use these on my boat, motorcycle and atv's (rotate them around on the toys.) I can't say enough good things about them. More advanced technology in regards to maintaining battery condidition than the Battery Tender IMHO.

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=18188&src=SRQB

Jim H · #14 12-12-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.R.B.

My Dad was always on my butt to store the batteries on wood.

Wood does not matter. CLEAN matters. Rinse off any accumulated electrolyte goo. It can be slightly conductive and discharge the battery, and can do this in the car too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannym

I was wondering, if you dump the acid how are you going to replace it? Also the acid content changes with the charge. A fully charged battery will have high acidity.A dead battery will have low acidity...

Specific gravity changes. 1.275 is fully charged, 1.110 is fully discharged.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannym

...Anyway if you want to dump the electrolyte totally discharge the battery first. Then when you need it just add water.

Actually, 'dry' batteries are fully charged, then drained, cleaned and shipped. You add acid, not water, and a top-off charge. If you discharge a battery, store it and and then add water, your battery will be a boat anchor...

Jim H · #15 12-12-2005, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry123400

...Today I charged two batteries on cars that have been sitting since spring to move them. Both batteries will take a limited charge but know they will not retain it and are shot but were perfectly good last spring.

A 'deep' discharge of a battery is VERY BAD. It will lead to 'sulfation' which reduces its capacity. Automotive batteries are meant to handle brief burst of high current, as in starting, and then an immediate recharge. They do not like to sit for long periods, slowly discharging.

http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery.html