Battery spillage

[riverboy]

Some how my boat battery got tipped, and some acid leaked out. Can I use distilled water to fill it up or do I need a acid solution? Can I still use and charge the battery with out refilling it? I lost maybe a cup or two.


Thanks

[baydog2]

This is something I found online. It does not still say how low before you actually need acid. I would think 1 cup loss should be able to fill with distilled water.These questions was asked on this site. Might want to look at a few more sites.
http://www.progressivedyn.com/battery_basics.html

When should I add water to my batteries?

How often you use and recharge your batteries will determine the frequency of watering. Also, using batteries in a hot climate will require more frequent watering. It is best to check your battery water level frequently and add distilled water when needed. Never add tap water to your battery. Tap water contains minerals that will reduce battery capacity and increase their self-discharge rate.

Warning

A brand new battery may have a low electrolyte level. Charge the battery first and then add water if needed. Adding water to a battery before charging may result in overflow of the electrolyte.
What is the proper electrolyte level?

Battery electrolyte levels should be just below the bottom of the vent well, about ½ - ¾ inch above the tops of the separators. Never let the electrolyte level to drop below the top of the plates.

Do I ever need to add acid to my battery?

Under normal operating conditions, you never need to add acid. Only distilled or deionized water should be added to achieve the recommended electrolyte levels.


Lonnie

[hungry hunter]

most likely you didn't loose enough acid to worry about just replace the water and you will prolly be alright just make sure the water level is over the plates inside

[glockman55]

What did you clean it up with? What is your floor Wood or Glass.?

[The Whale]

Whatever the floor material is, put the good ole' Baking Soda to the clean up task. It'll neutralize the acid. Make a very thin "batter" of baking soda and tap water, apply to the spill and allow to saturate for a time. Flush, brush, rinse with clean water. You'll be good to go. ;)

[riverboy]

Thanks Lonnie for the info!!

What did you clean it up with? What is your floor Wood or Glass.?

Oh boy I was hoping nobody asked!:)

I got lucky, I have the battery bungeed (now the strap is screwed to the plywood floor) to the side of the boat so the battery didnt tip all the way over. Most of the spillage was in the batttery box, but some did spill out into the boat. I have a 15' Aluminum (see gallery) with a carpeted plywood floor in the back that the battery and gas tank sit on. I wasn't sure what to do so I took out the floor and just washed it with soap and water many, many times. Unfortunatly I didnt get the acid in the boat cleaned up in time because it ate some paint. I washed the inside of the boat with soap and water. I Still need to repaint the damaged area but my boat is the cleanest since I bought it!!

I will have to remember that Whale!!

Thanks
Scott

[baydog2]

Buying a cheap gallon of distilled water and trying it is worth a chance. New batteries are too expensive to not give it a shot and then test it. Good luck,

Lonnie

[limige]

with that much loss i would buy some muratic acid from home depot/lowes/ or a hardware store and a small syringe to top it off.

they say to add water because usually it's low from being "cooked", but since you had a spill i would use acid. do not mix it with water or rinse with water, the vapors are nasty, probably somewhat deadly. use baking soda as mentioned above then wash after it's been nuetralized.

[tommytubular]

with that much loss i would buy some muratic acid from home depot/lowes/ or a hardware store and a small syringe to top it off.

they say to add water because usually it's low from being "cooked", but since you had a spill i would use acid. do not mix it with water or rinse with water, the vapors are nasty, probably somewhat deadly. use baking soda as mentioned above then wash after it's been nuetralized.

I certainly wouldnt even consider using muratic acid....unless I was cleaning my garage floor.........sulfuric acid is a much better bet.

Actually adding distilled water is OK.....

Then give it a good charge.......and happy boating