Carelessness in topping up battery - how much damage?

[alunhve]

Brought battery in to the hous to charge it up and topped up cells from the bottle of "water" that was sitting next to battery charger in cupboard. After noticing strange whiff discovered that I had been topping up with white spirit in error.

How much damage has been caused, am I at risk of an explosion.

Am taking caravan away at the weekend to test out erecting new awning and will need to decide if I need to immediately buy a new battery.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Alun

 

[Chris_374413356]

Oh Dear, I think the best thing to do is to pour out the electrolyte and for a start flush out with ordinary tap water until you are happy, then finish by flushing out with distilled/deionised water.

Then refill the battery with battery acid (sulphuric acid) with an SG of 1.26 (ish).that should do it and with a bit of luck you will not have damaged the battery.

The old electrolyte must be diluted as much as possible before you dispose of it.

I say use tap water because you may need a gallon of two and it's unlikely you will have enough distilled water.

I must also say use great care when messing with acid protect eyes and clothing and of course don't smoke, batteries have Hydrogen which tends to go bang.

I'm sure your local battery company can refill the battery for you with the correct acid

 

[Damian]

If you have put white spirit in the battery you must NOT use it.

Best to hope for is follow the advice by Alun, or just dich it and get a new one,,,and dont put anything in unless you KNOW what it is first.

 

[alunhve]

Thanks for messages. As making sure that I was topping up from the right bottle managed to defeat me on this ocassion I was not going to be bold enough to start emptying out and refilling with 24 hours before going away. Whilst it was only a small amount I played safe. Went out and purchased a new battery and old one sits in yard awaiting move to Council recycling site.

Alun