Battery Water top up.

[Alistairr]

Just topping up my batteries right now, The batteries in my forklift, not the boat!
I've been using De-ionised water i'd bought out of Halfords, but have ran out!
I am right in saying water out my tap will do just as well, and not harm the batteries?
The tap water up here in Scotland is pretty pure.

Cheers

Al.

 

[DAKA]

Have you got a dehumidifier anywhere you can empty, that would be perfect !

 

[Alistairr]

No not here at work. But i do have at home.

Al.

 

[davesimmons]

Can't you just boil a kettle?

 

[Alistairr]

I don't know the ins and outs of batteries, that why i'm asking!
Can i use boiled water????

Al.

 

[Brayman]

[ QUOTE ]

Can i use boiled water????


[/ QUOTE ] Well you are supposed to use the condensed water from the steam, but for a fork lift truck...........is it worth the effort?
When I was a lad and worked in a garage during the school holidays I was told to fill up punters Distilled Water bottles straight from the tap and then charge them as if it was distilled water from a special tank out the back.

 

[DAVIDO]

It is even more important to use de mineralised water in a fork lift battery. Traction batteries are very expensive and you will reduce the life of the battery considerably if you dont look after it. Thats without considering the safety aspects of altering the acid concentration using the wrong water.

 

[DAKA]

Now for the complete answer /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Before the days of Tesco and Mad motorist discount shops , Motor Garages would have a magic machine to make battery water, it was a dehumidifier, hence my suggestion to Alister to empty a dehumidifier.

Tap water may be Alkaline which will destroy the efficiency of the battery and no amount of boiling will alter the ph.

You could catch the steam but it takes ages.

Tap water of course varies throughout the regions and may also contain other contaminates such as fluoride chlorine ???????
While going to the trouble to add water why not also add this

http://www.pure.gg/?merchantPageID=7&op=merchantPage-merchantPageDisplay

 

[Alistairr]

Yes, i paid £1500 for these batteries new in 2002.

Al.

 

[Alistairr]

Great advice everyone,
To be on the safe side, i might be better heading to Halford in the morning! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cheers

Al.

 

[robind]

How about rainwater? after all its been distilled? plenty of that around at the moment. Never tap water as it will shorten the life of your battery

 

[Alistairr]

Eh! Good idea, but it hasn't rained in a fortnight up here!!!
I'm sure its not far away though!!

Cheers

Al.