deep cycle battery question

[vizsla01]

Hey guys I have a question about my deep cycle battery, where should the water level be at, and if it is low do I use distilled water, or will any water do? Thanks in advance!

[Whoaru99]

Usually, for batteries where you add water, there are like extensions on the bottom of the holes where the cell caps go in. The proper water level is at the bottom of those extensions so the water is just touching them.

Distilled water is preferred/recommended...

[tonyjor]

you could also see if it has a "cat's eye". It will be a small round window on top of the battery. If it's green, it's good.

[BobT]

I always thought those "cat eyes" were there to indicate state of charge and not fluid level. Have I been mistaken?

Bob

[New Yankee]

Distilled water for sure. Using regular water will allow the minerals contained in it to attach to the lead plates with over time (and dependent on the amount of water of course) will reduce your batteries efficiency.

As far as level, I've always filled the cells to the bottom of the cell plug receptacle, there often is a groove cut from the top to the bottom, just until it touches the bottom and it seems like the liquid 'puckers' a bit. Hope that made sense....

[tonyjor]

Actually, I think you're right BobT. I was getting mixed up. Green "dots" mean a good charge and you fill the water until it makes a "cat eye" shape in the receptical.

[waskawood]

Quote:

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Distilled water for sure, or if you can find electrolite at a battery place all the better.

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What is electrolite? Acid? I was told to never add acid to a battery other than when originally filling them.

[New Yankee]

Waskawood - was thinking more about electrolyte and my answer. Did a bit of checking and I'm wrong, you should only add electrolyte to new unfilled batteries then charge. Seems adding it to replace evaporated water will alter the chemical make up (makes it stronger, which is logical) and actually reduces plate life of the battery.

My bad , just stick w/distilled (I edited off my poor advice on the earlier post...)

[waskawood]

No problem Yankee. I wasn't sure what it was. Have a great Labor Day weekend.