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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: renzane on January 06, 2013, 02:42:04 PM

Title: Filling the battery
Post by: renzane on January 06, 2013, 02:42:04 PM
I have an FB10L-2B (11 AH)  "Hi Dash" battery (Made in Thailand) and need to top up the electrolyte. Can someone let me know whether I need a special acid solution for this type of battery or can I just use distilled water?  I'm new at this.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: gsatterw on January 06, 2013, 03:41:21 PM
Pretty sure you just use distilled water. When it evaporates, the acid concentration rises, so all of it should still be in there. Fill to fill line.  :thumb:

Graham  :2guns:
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: twocool on January 06, 2013, 04:50:59 PM
Do not add acid to "top up" a battery.  A battery needs a certain specific gravity to the acid solution.  When the battery gets low on electrolyte, it is because you lost WATER, not ACID.

Adding acid to a low battery would make the solution too strong...

You add distilled water.....available at most grocery stores and chain type drug stores...commonly used to clothes irons.....

Fill so the level of each cell is between the two marks (low and high) on the plastic case

Now....some NEW batteries are shipped "dry" without any electrolyte at all inside....on these you are usually given an "acid pack"...which is really acid solution which must be added to the battery the first time, before you use the battery....you also need to charge this type of battery before use...but after that you just top off with distilled water!!!!


Cookie


Quote from: renzane on January 06, 2013, 02:42:04 PM
I have an FB10L-2B (11 AH)  "Hi Dash" battery (Made in Thailand) and need to top up the electrolyte. Can someone let me know whether I need a special acid solution for this type of battery or can I just use distilled water?  I'm new at this.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: noworries on January 06, 2013, 07:05:13 PM
I used to feel a bit dudded when I saw the Hi-Dash Thai battery in my new GS. Thought it was some crap the dealer had exchanged for the proper Suzuki battery. Later I found out that the Hi-Dash was the original Suzuki provided battery.  My Hi-Dash had a 3-year life. And it did like a little drinkie every now and them
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: weedahoe on January 06, 2013, 07:36:48 PM
Sealed AGM batter FTW
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: jestercinti on January 06, 2013, 07:59:50 PM
Strange. Mine is a yuasa yb10L-B2 OEM.
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: renzane on January 06, 2013, 08:04:07 PM
Thanks, everyone.  I appreciate the info.  I'll buy some distilled water and add a bit. 

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with the Thai battery.  My bike was built in Spain and I was wondering about that battery brand and the electrolyte. Very helpful.  8)
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: twocool on January 06, 2013, 08:32:57 PM
Mine came with "Decca"brand...which is a USA company...But the battery was made in Taiwan........

I've been told that there are only a couple of battery manufacturers left in the world, and they make all kinds of different brands in the same factories........

I think the AGM is the way to go.........but lead acid still works fine and is cheaper



Cookie


Quote from: jestercinti on January 06, 2013, 07:59:50 PM
Strange. Mine is a yuasa yb10L-B2 OEM.
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: twocool on January 06, 2013, 08:34:37 PM
Get yourself a little glass eyedropper to add the distilled water...or they make a turkey baster kind of deal you can get at the auto store...don't try to just pour in the water from the gallon jug!!

Cookie


Quote from: renzane on January 06, 2013, 08:04:07 PM
Thanks, everyone.  I appreciate the info.  I'll buy some distilled water and add a bit. 

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with the Thai battery.  My bike was built in Spain and I was wondering about that battery brand and the electrolyte. Very helpful.  8)
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: renzane on January 06, 2013, 09:26:32 PM
Quote from: twocool on January 06, 2013, 08:34:37 PM
Get yourself a little glass eyedropper to add the distilled water...or they make a turkey baster kind of deal you can get at the auto store...don't try to just pour in the water form the gallon jug!!

Cookie


Ah, that's really good advice.  I was wondering how I was going to pour carefully, as I don't need to add too much.  The glass eyedropper sounds ideal. Much appreciated.  :)

Quote from: renzane on January 06, 2013, 08:04:07 PM
Thanks, everyone.  I appreciate the info.  I'll buy some distilled water and add a bit. 

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with the Thai battery.  My bike was built in Spain and I was wondering about that battery brand and the electrolyte. Very helpful.  8)
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: noworries on January 07, 2013, 06:20:19 AM
2009 also.
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: XLAR8 on January 07, 2013, 10:49:02 AM
for adding water to my battery i use a 50ml Syringe barrel (they dont have a needle attached) you can get them from most chemists (i think you call them drug stores) and vets

(http://img.alibaba.com/photo/212593050/50_ml_SINGLE_USE_SYRINGES.jpg)
like this one
Title: Re: Filling the battery
Post by: noworries on January 07, 2013, 04:25:34 PM
Good for giving the old ears a bit of clean out too.