Which battery maintainer out of two?

[wb3czi]

After reading quite a few scientific dissertations on the subject, I've come to the conclusion (from reading them) that Epsom Salts work just as well. Scientists know better than I do, I guess. Hard to read and getting around all the big words...lol
I will admit that flooded cell batteries are getting expensive (like everything else today) but I've had good luck with mine as a rule but I never buy bargain store batteries either. I usually get between 5 and 7 years out of a battery but I keep them charged, check the water level in them regularly and keep the terminal posts clean and bright.

Also read that some battery manufacturers are adding EDTA when they manufacture them what I wasn't able to decipher was which manufacturers are and which aren't.

Storage batteries for me, I consider them a consumable, just like headlight bulbs and I don't expect them to last forever.

Hi again 5030...
I got 14 years out of the original battery in my '89 Toyota pickup which I attribute to the use of EDTA. The Tacoma I have now went nuts and smoked the factory battery last year. It's a 2010 so I got a lot of use (I feel due to EDTA) before the alternator/regulator went crazy and burned up most of the electronics!
Joe

 

[ecbaatz]

Please, always check the water level in your lead acid batteries. Even maintenance free. Those caps are usually under the stickers.

All batteries lose water, due to the break down of the water molecules into to hydrogen and oxygen gases, hence the warning no open flames while charging.
The electrolyte stays in the battery. As the breakdown of the water molecule occurs the lever lowers. This uncovers part of the plates, loosing some of the ability of the battery.

When onboard the submarines I was on we monitored level, electrolyte as well as voltage. By keeping the electrolyte and water levels in spec we kept the battery operating at design specifications.


Water level is extremely important. But remember to use distilled water, not filtered or tap to top off.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have no idea what EDTA is????

Actually I do now. I went on a reading spree and found out and all the scientific articles I read stated the effects of the addition of EDTA are at best temporary and are best uses in older flooded cell batteries where sulfation is pronounced and..

There is a more widely accepted and more readily available alternative...

Epsom Salt dissolved in hot distilled water and added to the existing electrolyte in a flooded cell battery.

Again, interestingly, all the scientific papers I read, they all claimed the effects of EDTA or Epsom Salts were temporary at best.

Maybe VX-6

There was an additive I used a couple of times that really worked… first time it was on a neglected boat battery… it was good enough to last a summer week on the lake.