boondockdad
Dearborn
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Removing the cap, I see the water level well below (5/8") the bottom edge of the well silo, but covering the visible plate.
Manufacturer literature says:
Quote:Ideally, the water level should be no higher than just below or to the bottom of the tubes (in a 12-volt battery there are 6 tubes) that go down into the battery. To avoid damage to the battery, make sure the fluid level never drops below the tops of the lead plates in each of the cells. Also, avoid adding too much water, which may result in acid overflow and damage around the battery.
OK?
It's a smidge over the plates, but a scoesh under the opening...
What's reasoning here?
Need some real expertise on battery operation and maintenance.
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Ka Ron
Kelowna
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I am no expert but I would fill my batteries to the bottom of the hole, where the slot is in the picture, leaving the slot open and not under water.
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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I agree with Ron. Fill the the bottom of the hole or tube or whatever you want to call it.
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Dr Quick
M'boro, Tn
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When the battery charges it gets warm and the water will evaporate from the cells. The idea of the water in contact with the tubes is to keep the most water possible in the battery. Also you will notice a slot in the side of the tube, this is to allow the charging gases to escape and not cause the water to bubble out of the battery. The "water" is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water which is corrosive, poisonous, and very explosive too.
Deep cycle batteries require monthly checking, especially when in constant use. Even vehicle batteries, if they have a removable top need to be checked too. Also in the off season your RV battery should be put on a trickle charger to keep plates from sulfating and shortening the life of the battery.
I learned this all the hard way.
Dr Quick
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Desert Captain
Tucson
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Ron is correct. You should however charge the battery and then top up with the distilled water. This assumes that the plates are not showing/uncovered in which case add enough to cover them but not enough to properly fill the cells, then charge, then top them up. If you top them up and then charge they will bubble over and make a very acidic mess.
When you are done mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water and brush (old toothbrushes or throw away cheapo paint brushes work well), this over the top of the battery. Repeat as needed until the foaming stops and then rinse/wipe them off and by all means throw the rag away.
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hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
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Take Rons advice to the bank. Right on.
hershey - albuquerque, nm
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rolnhome
Casa Grande, Az
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Interstate says to fill them 1/8 inch below the slot in the tube.
Nevermind. I double checked and I was wrong. Bottom of tube is what they say. Don't know where the 1/8" came from. Maybe that is the thickness of a quarter. 
* This post was
edited 02/09/12 08:23pm by rolnhome *
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Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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Get yourself one of these......Battery Water Jug and forget about it.
Available at most auto parts stores.
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navegator
San Diego CA.
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Fill the batteries with Distilled water only!
City tap water, has disolved minerals, that will eventually short the cells, and the battery will die prematurlly.
Do not over water the cells, if you purchase a battery fill bottle, you will hear when there is no more air being burpped into the filler.
The correct level, is beloow the lip with cut outs, not above, also try not to spill water, on the cover of the battery, this water, becomes a conductor, between the positive and negative, that discharges the battery.
To protect the terminals, you clean them thoroughlly, and then tighten on the posts, after that, apply a coat of vaseline or beraing grease, with a small brush, don't forget to do the underside
Hope it helps Navegator
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boondockdad
Dearborn
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Thanks all.
Filled to *just under* the bottom edge of the fill tube.
Don't have one of those nifty battery fill jugs, and the distilled water jug doesn't give a very precise pour, so I made sure to carefully clean all surfaces without wiping the debris into the fill holes- before filling.
They're back on the 3-stage charger
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