Ran battery dry.

[Cheesehead]

I made a mistake. Forgot to check the water/acid level in the battery in the Harley, so it would not start. I added water and now it is on the charger. Is this battery ruined? Maybe it is time for a gel cell anyway. The battery is only one year old.

Cheese

[Hairtrigger]

I am guessing it will last all summer
Probably need to be replaced next spring

[myronman3]

i would rather replace it than gamble on it; or at least make sure you have some jumper cables in your saddlebag just in case......

[Peshtigo71]

     Cheesehead, Did you use tap water?  I remember years ago it was recommended that distilled water should be used in batteries.  I don't know if that is necessartily so now days.  I'd try about a 2 hour quick charge, 10 - 35 amp and follow it up with a 2 amp trickle charge overnight then see what you got. You can always take it in to an auto parts shop, they generally test them for free.

[Doug B.]

Schumacher now makes a maintainer battery charger that should be used. It will desulfify (sp) the battery if needed, puts a slow, deep charge in the battery and then drops to a trickle and fully charges the battery without baking it, and only when needed. This charger can be left on indefinitely without harming your battery. Great off-season storage choice. I own three of them. It will not charge if leads are put on backwards and automatically senses the voltage, 6 or 12 volt. It's pretty idiot proof. I believe you can get one for under $25.00. I would purchase one of these and try to stay away from the higher amperage chargers if you can.

Use distilled water also.

[Cheesehead]

I did use tap water. I will reinstall this evening. This will buy me some time untill I find a high quality gel cell.

Cheese

[Kal52]

I will only use distilled, but if you are going to replace it anyway, I wouldnt worry too much, once its charged it should be ok, but personally Id not trust it for any long trips.

When I got my new bike i was pleasantly surprised that the dealership puts a maintainer plug in on every new bike that comes in, or at least the factory does, not sure.

Ive never used one, but my buddy will plug his in quite often "just to be safe".  seems like it works

Good luck

Dave

[jshootr]

Sorry
I have been a diesel mechanic for years.
have seen many customers run batteries down and some dry.
can you salvage them, maybe for a short  period of time.
if you want reliability replace it as soon as you can.

Engine starting batteries are not designed to run down to zero volts or capacity.
they are designed for high amperage, short cycles.
not like a NICAD or deep cycle.
good luck.
Jerry

[Cheesehead]

I replaced questionable battery today, with a Carquest NGT Extreme "absorbed glass mat", whatever that means. Its a sealed battery with 310 cold cranking amps for 85 bucks. AND it is made in the U.S.A.

I feel better about going for long rides now.

I tested the old battery with a tester that puts a load on it for 10 seconds and it passed, but I can not imagine me feeling good about saving 85 bucks while stranded 100's of miles from home.

Cheese

[jshootr]

good decision
also that is a fair price
last one I bought from Harley was $95+

[hogrdr]

Invest in a battery tender about $35.00 when not riding plug it in forget about it! Since I put one on my Dresser same battery 5 years still strong. Plug it in during winter storage and forget about it till spring. It will pay for it self over time buddy bought Road King same year and is on second battery. One long cold spell during winter can kill a battery never worry with tender keeps battery topped off.

Hog

[Cheesehead]

Invest in a battery tender about $35.00 when not riding plug it in forget about it! Since I put one on my Dresser same battery 5 years still strong. Plug it in during winter storage and forget about it till spring. It will pay for it self over time buddy bought Road King same year and is on second battery. One long cold spell during winter can kill a battery never worry with tender keeps battery topped off.

Hog

I will do this.

[S.E.Ak]

Good to hear the USA has a plant now. Just a couple years ago there were only two plants in the world one in India and one in China

[GRIMJIM]

I don't know if they are installed automatically now or if it is a kit but my ultra classic has a plug coming out from under the seat to plug the battery tender in. Worth the time to put it in if you don't already have one on your bike. Beats having to remove a saddlebag all the time.

[AtlLaw]

+1 on the battery tender.  Been using one for several years.

[The Hermit]

Ya don't need a good battery at all.  Just a "plump" momma ridin back of you to push start every time ya leave the bar.     


   The Hermit