New conventional battery electrolyte level

Filled & charged a brand new wet cell battery as per the instructions. After charging w motorcycle smart charger, the fluid level is above the upper line.  Moving & giggling the battery released some bubbles, but the level is still above the top line by ~1/4".  Battery needs to sit for another hour or so.  Should I remove excess electrolyte?  Thanks. 

Martin,
That's a tough one.
There are a lot of comments on lead acid battery pages regarding low electrolyte levels but not really high levels.
I'd just siphon the extra amount out. It's not like you are adding water or adding acid to your solution. So your specific gravity should remain the same.


 

I've removed excess acid before with no problems, and also balanced levels using a syringe. So I'd go for it. 

To be fair Martin the upper limit on batteries is there for the same reason as oil levels, Radiators etc to allow for expansion and pressure build up (that's why it has a vent pipe) the charging system on your bike isn't "smart" so after running for longer periods the battery will definitely need to "vent" whilst it is unlikely to damage the battery, any electrolyte escaping from the vent pipe will make a white furry mess of anything it comes into contact with. Best to correct the level (IMO)
FYI - any battery escape is best neutralised with a kettle of boiling water

wrote:

FYI - any battery escape is best neutralised with a kettle of boiling water

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​​​​​​Why boiling?  If you use enough water it will happily dilute acid, but I don't know why the temperature of the water might matter.  I used water mixed with baking soda to clean the fuzzy contacts on my car battery, and that worked very well.

As for acid levels, I have had several KZs with corroded battery boxes and swingarms from acid leaking out of the vent hole.  I would certainly avoid using an overfilled battery.

Honestly, I've cleaned up these messes enough times that I only use sealed batteries in both my car and bikes.  I've had enough of repainting/replacing acid damaged parts. 

wrote:

wrote:

FYI - any battery escape is best neutralised with a kettle of boiling water

​
​​​​​​Why boiling?  If you use enough water it will happily dilute acid, but I don't know why the temperature of the water might matter.  I used water mixed with baking soda to clean the fuzzy contacts on my car battery, and that worked very well.

As for acid levels, I have had several KZs with corroded battery boxes and swingarms from acid leaking out of the vent hole.  I would certainly avoid using an overfilled battery.

Honestly, I've cleaned up these messes enough times that I only use sealed batteries in both my car and bikes.  I've had enough of repainting/replacing acid damaged parts. 

DOHC you are right that the water neutralises the acid, from past experience of corroded battery terminals etc (used to be a bus electrician so was a regular occurrence) we found using a kettle pulled the corrosion straight off then a wipe of grease over their terminals prevented it re-occurring. It just seams to clean up easier with hot water

Thanks.  Most how-tos say to remove excess if too much electrolyte is added but nothing about after charging. 
The fluid level dropped after more than several hours but it's still a few mm above the line. This time I followed the battery instructions.
In the past I've used the Care & feeding of your pet battery page which says to initially add electrolyte between the lines.
Common sense says to keep the fluid level between the lines. hee. I have disposable syringes for removing the excess. they're kind of neato for something so simple.  

The pH scale runs from 0 to 14 where a very strong acid is near 0 and a very strong base is near 14.  Battery acid is normally around pH of 1, so quite strong.  Distilled water has a pH of 7 but it will not neutralize acid.  It will however dilute it.  In order to neutralize acid, a base such as lime is used.  Tap water will have some ions in it and will have a small neutralizing effect, which is why tap water is not recommended for topping up a battery.

A "full" wet battery should have at least enough liquid to cover the plates.  The solution is normally about 2/3 water and 1/3 sulfuric acid.  This ratio provides the best mixture for proper chemical action.  If the liquid is above the "Full" mark it should be removed.

A fully charged battery should have an electrolyte specific gravity of around 1.26.