[net.auto] Storing Batteries

dmm@browngr.UUCP (David Margolis) (10/12/84)

I just took my 6-month old Delco Freedom II 5-year battery out of the car
I sold and would like to know the best way of keeping it until I need it
again. Will it deteriorate just by non-use to the point of ruination? Should
I charge it periodically?  I would appreciate hearing knowledgeable viewpoints
form the informed readers of this group.

David Margolis
browngr!dmm

mr@isrnix.UUCP (michael regoli) (10/23/84)

[]

Of the many hundreds of wives' tales about storing batteries;
two *I know* are most important:

	1.  DO NOT store a battery on a concrete floor!
            Somehow rest it on a couple of 2" x 4"s if
            you need to.

	2.  Fully charge the battery after disconnecting
	    it.

A fully  charged battery resting on 2" x 4"s will probably be
the best thing you could ever do for it.


-- 
           .:.
           /.\                          michael regoli
          '|-|`         ...ihnp4!inuxc!iuvax!isrnix!mr

prg@mgweed.UUCP (Phil Gunsul) (10/24/84)

[RRr...RRRR...RRRR....RRRr...rrr..rrr.......rrr....rr....r]

	If I may tag along on your question, Dave, I have heard that
you should "never ever never" store a lead-acid cell on cement.  This
will cause it to discharge.  For the life of me, I can't think of a
reason...  Anyone heard of this before, and know of a reason???

Phil Gunsul

hunt@rruxo.UUCP (J Hunter) (10/25/84)

[Yummmmmmmmmm..............Yum.............................]

I've heard that it's a *REAL* good idea *NOT* to store a battery
on a conductive surface, although why concrete is considered
conductive is a mystery - wood seems to be the surface of choice.

Also, you want to make sure that the fluid levels are full and
that it has a full charge.  *NEVER* add battery acid to one that's
been stored for awhile (They tend to blow up....). (Could tend to
ruin your day!)

J. A. Hunter - Bellcore (Not to be confused with Applecore), 
               Piscataway, N.J.

kpmartin@watmath.UUCP (Kevin Martin) (10/25/84)

>	If I may tag along on your question, Dave, I have heard that
>you should "never ever never" store a lead-acid cell on cement.  This
>will cause it to discharge.  For the life of me, I can't think of a
>reason...  Anyone heard of this before, and know of a reason???
>Phil Gunsul

Actually, I expect this advice is for the sake of the cement, not the battery!
A lead-acid battery (once in service for a while) almost invariably has leaked
some electrolyte onto its outer case, so the battery will spend the
winter eating a small depression into the concrete.

hrs@houxb.UUCP (H.SILBIGER) (10/26/84)

Rules for storing batteries:
Keep fully charged
Keep from freezing if not fully charged
Do not charge in enclosed area: explosive gases are formed