Random Thoughts - Part Deux [NO POLITICS]

[p1l0t]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Need advice from actual car people:. I let my original battery get real low on fluid and I think that's why it is having problems starting. What are the chances I can fix it, and is it even worth the effort vs just getting a replacement?



We will be closing on a new house and starting to move in 2 weeks, so that factors in monetarily, temporally, and mentally, otherwise I'd look at this as an opportunity to figure out a more advanced/lightweight (li) solution. I could probably get a really cheap battery for now, but temporary solutions make my eyelid twitch. Need a slap and to be pointed in a good direction...



Yes, this belongs in the technical section, but I'd just be waiting for the RT crowd anyway lol.

I didn't even know batteries could get low on fluid. I know they have fluid in them but I thought it was an enclosed system.

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[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Need advice from actual car people:. I let my original battery get real low on fluid and I think that's why it is having problems starting. What are the chances I can fix it, and is it even worth the effort vs just getting a replacement?



We will be closing on a new house and starting to move in 2 weeks, so that factors in monetarily, temporally, and mentally, otherwise I'd look at this as an opportunity to figure out a more advanced/lightweight (li) solution. I could probably get a really cheap battery for now, but temporary solutions make my eyelid twitch. Need a slap and to be pointed in a good direction...



Yes, this belongs in the technical section, but I'd just be waiting for the RT crowd anyway lol.

The damage is most likely already done and the only real fix will be a new one. I’d just trickle charge for now until you can get to a point that you have the chance to replace it. You may be able to nurse it along for a bit.

Might try this. I’ve never had much success with it though.

https://itstillruns.com/remove-sulfa...s-8211189.html

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by p1l0t

I didn't even know batteries could get low on fluid. I know they have fluid in them but I thought it was an enclosed system.

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I think the OEM one is a serviceable wet cell battery. The user manual seems to indicate that at least. I know enough about them to know there's a lot I don't know.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

The damage is most likely already done and the only real fix will be a new one. I’d just trickle charge for now until you can get to a point that you have the chance to replace it. You may be able to nurse it along for a bit.

Might try this. I’ve never had much success with it though.

https://itstillruns.com/remove-sulfa...s-8211189.html

Most informative link and info I've seen so far, thanks. Google searches typically turn up replacement stuff. I don't actually have a trickle charger though (yeah something to get after the move at least) so that's another small hurdle there. I guess I should just look for a quick/cheap replacement for the winter.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Need advice from actual car people:. I let my original battery get real low on fluid and I think that's why it is having problems starting. What are the chances I can fix it, and is it even worth the effort vs just getting a replacement?

We will be closing on a new house and starting to move in 2 weeks, so that factors in monetarily, temporally, and mentally, otherwise I'd look at this as an opportunity to figure out a more advanced/lightweight (li) solution. I could probably get a really cheap battery for now, but temporary solutions make my eyelid twitch. Need a slap and to be pointed in a good direction...

Yes, this belongs in the technical section, but I'd just be waiting for the RT crowd anyway lol.

It will help. At least it will prevent the battery explosion scenario. Add distilled/DI water and if you do it with a density-measuring turkey baster thingy, you can measure the result. First fill only enough to measure initial value. Then test again when full.

Test a third time after the battery is fully charged. You'll have a feel for how much you can trust the battery based on how much sulfur you can get back into solution.

Also, it helps to stir up the water in each cell. Suck up some water with the bulb and squirt it back purposefully.

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

It will help. At least it will prevent the battery explosion scenario. Add distilled/DI water and if you do it with a density-measuring turkey baster thingy, you can measure the result. First fill only enough to measure initial value. Then test again when full.

Test a third time after the battery is fully charged. You'll have a feel for how much you can trust the battery based on how much sulfur you can get back into solution.

Also, it helps to stir up the water in each cell. Suck up some water with the bulb and squirt it back purposefully.

Wait, they can explode!?!? <Googling Intensifies>

[Spuds]

So I am an idiot... Fluid isn't low, just couldn't see the level through the semi transparent case. On inspection by actually opening the caps, all cells have fluid at what seems to be an appropriate level covering the plates. Battery probably just needs a long trip or something, though it could also be dying for other reasons.

Thanks for helping out anyway guys.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Spuds

Wait, they can explode!?!? <Googling Intensifies>

They gas off hydrogen. It’s pretty impressive when they let go. But not common.

[spike021]

Originally Posted by Spuds

So I am an idiot... Fluid isn't low, just couldn't see the level through the semi transparent case. On inspection by actually opening the caps, all cells have fluid at what seems to be an appropriate level covering the plates. Battery probably just needs a long trip or something, though it could also be dying for other reasons.

Thanks for helping out anyway guys.

So you’re saying the battery has bad design because you can’t see the fluid? 🤔

[p1l0t]

Originally Posted by Spuds

So I am an idiot... Fluid isn't low, just couldn't see the level through the semi transparent case. On inspection by actually opening the caps, all cells have fluid at what seems to be an appropriate level covering the plates. Battery probably just needs a long trip or something, though it could also be dying for other reasons.



Thanks for helping out anyway guys.

Through it on a trickle charger. They aren't expensive and a great thing to have. I keep.one on my 74 Lincoln but it's saved me on my other more modern cars quite a few times.

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[soundman98]

yes, batteries blow up.
https://jalopnik.com/a-car-battery-e...-su-1830036076

Originally Posted by Spuds

Need advice from actual car people:. I let my original battery get real low on fluid and I think that's why it is having problems starting. What are the chances I can fix it, and is it even worth the effort vs just getting a replacement?

We will be closing on a new house and starting to move in 2 weeks, so that factors in monetarily, temporally, and mentally, otherwise I'd look at this as an opportunity to figure out a more advanced/lightweight (li) solution. I could probably get a really cheap battery for now, but temporary solutions make my eyelid twitch. Need a slap and to be pointed in a good direction...

Yes, this belongs in the technical section, but I'd just be waiting for the RT crowd anyway lol.

personally, if it still had 1-2 years on the warranty, it's worth tinkering with. if the warranty is up, better to just get a new battery.

Originally Posted by Spuds

Most informative link and info I've seen so far, thanks. Google searches typically turn up replacement stuff. I don't actually have a trickle charger though (yeah something to get after the move at least) so that's another small hurdle there. I guess I should just look for a quick/cheap replacement for the winter.

i was told many years ago that any battery in service will build up crystals on the lead plates that reduce the effectiveness of the battery, so the best way to maintain any battery is to put it on a trickle charger for a while to dissolve those crystals, because many chargers intentionally have 'dirty d/c' power, and the jiggly a/c waves shake the crystals off the lead plates, rejuvenating the battery.

this article goes a lot more in depth, and doesn't fully reinforce that idea, but acknowledges the condition, as well as that overcharging at 15-16v can sometimes bring battery plates 'back to life'
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/..._to_prevent_it

i keep the brz on a stanley battery maintainer-- it's small, compact, and has a disconnectable lead that just barely pokes out of the cowl by the wipers. i don't believe that it's charging algorithm is superior to any other maintainer on the market, i just like it's particular connection features. the nice thing is it auto-senses the battery, so i have it powered and zip-tied to the joist above the car, and just plug into the battery whenever the car sits over a week there(the ONE advantage to having a 7' garage ceiling).

and it's only $15 on amazon. i got mine for $8 from a local hardware store.

https://smile.amazon.com/STANLEY-BM1...8792040&sr=8-4

[soundman98]

and congrats on the new house!! i hope all goes well!

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Spuds

So I am an idiot... Fluid isn't low, just couldn't see the level through the semi transparent case. On inspection by actually opening the caps, all cells have fluid at what seems to be an appropriate level covering the plates. Battery probably just needs a long trip or something, though it could also be dying for other reasons.

Thanks for helping out anyway guys.

fuck off troll

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by spike021

So you’re saying the battery has bad design because you can’t see the fluid? 🤔

Or are my eyes poorly designed because I can't even see the battery fluid level? Every other design for eyes would be able to see it clearly.

Also,