The importance of battery maintenance

[motoman]

So, it's been probably a year since I've checked my battery, so i decided since i was putting new horns on and had the seat off, I'd pull the battery out and make sure the water levels were okay.
Here's what i saw. ��

So, the moral of the story is: Don't forget to check your battery at least twice a year.

Battery electrolyte/distilled water normally does NOT evaporate. Ideal charge rate for automotive world 12v systems IS 13.8-14.2v. Motorcycle charging systems, for whatever reasoning is a bit higher than the ideal maximum charging voltage, which can and does cause minor evaporation of water/electrolyte.
Your battery being THAT low on distilled water/electrolyte leads a suspicion to the large plug-in behind the fuse panel. Regulators have no way of knowing there's a voltage drop due to poor connections from alternator to regulator to battery. Result is a higher charge rate than necessary in relationship to voltage being used by system from battery.....resulting in an overcharge rate, which results in electrolyte evaporation.
BTW, was trained specificly in all aspects of 12v charging systems some 40yrs. ago........but slept since then.
FWIW, I normally get 7-12yrs. of use from an Interstate battery WITHOUT a re-charge. That amount of time use IS considering rest of systems electrical charging circuit IS operating correctly!

[motoman]

In reference to my previous post(#16), after filling battery EVENLY to full line with distilled water ONLY, with battery removed I'd put it on a NO larger than 1amp charger for 4-6hr.....check voltage with volt meter.....install and ride.

[madmax-im]

I went to AGM type batteries years ago...and havent looked back...there are some things that can stand improvement and the this is one of them...YMMV

[natemoen]

......Interstate.

Incorrect. Interstate batteries are manufactured by Johnson Controls.

[ESJr1642]

Battery Manufacures

East Penn is the third one I believe.

[ViperRon]

Get an AGM battery I believe in them many boast Lithium is the new direction however I believe lithium is a little too high tech for our charging system and lithium is picky about vibration heat and needs a very consistent charge or it explodes. I have also had regular acid batteries have charging issues and explode so I am a firm believer AGM is the way to go for now.
I also believe you have the right to buy what ever you want and can get but we will pick on you if we find out you have a problem

[DeanR]

East Penn is the third one I believe.

That's who makes that Battery Mart Big Crank Battery.

[MPittma100]

Agm

I went to AGM type batteries years ago...and havent looked back...there are some things that can stand improvement and the this is one of them...YMMV

I've used the AGM batteries for a long time in everything I have. After many years of experiencing acid corrosion damages and battery explosions, I officially refuse to buy the lead acid type again.

[madmax-im]

I've used the AGM batteries for a long time in everything I have. After many years of experiencing acid corrosion damages and battery explosions, I officially refuse to buy the lead acid type again.

Exactly...back when i had my Maxim...the battery electrolytes spilled somehow...it ran down the frame rail and left a huge stain on the chrome finish of my exhaust pipe..plus i really suck at battery maintenance...

[DeanR]

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