Charging a battery

[ncff07]

Just curious here, where did you put the battery when you charged it?

[tomtom7]

On my dining table. I opened all of the windows. Is that bad? I read about fumes, sulfuric acid, and such, but I'm still alive and nothing is on fire...yet.

[Water Warrior 2]

Set the battery and charger beside the stove and turn on the fan above the stove. But not a good idea during Xmas or Thankgiving.

[blaine]

The main concern when charging a battery is sparks because the fumes are explosive.Also never store a battery on bare concrete as it will ruin a good battery.

[tomtom7]

Roger that for next time. The stove thing with the fan is a good call. I didn't even imagine the concrete thing. Thanks for the heads up.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by blaine

never store a battery on bare concrete as it will ruin a good battery.

Howdyou work that out? never heard of it before. How does concrete damage whatever a battery's made of? :??:

[bonehead]

Rebar in the concrete draws out the charge some how. I don't know the physics behind it, but I have had batteries delivered to my shop and have found them days later sitting on the concrete and checked them with a meter and they have discharged quite a bit.

[GZ Jess]

I have a few questions about battery charging.

Does a battery fully charge while riding the bike at a speed range of 20-45 mph?
How long would it take for this charge?

I killed my battery a couple of weeks ago from leaving the key in on position to use headlight to review a map at night (I know dumb) and after having a jump, I haven't had any issues. I do have a battery tender and just didn't know if it was a good idea to get a good overnight charge or if my riding has charged it and I shouldn't worry until I either store it for a while or have a battery issue.

Thanks, Jessica

[blaine]

If you went a couple of weeks with no issues than you are fully charged by now, no worries.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by tomtom7

I had to keep the choke on pretty high for a while (I read that that's bad, but it was either that or stall).

Plan of attack: Purchased Battery Tender and will use during extended storage. Using gumout for the next few tanks of gas. Going to learn about lubrication methods next.

That useage of the choke is NOT bad.....partly since it is not a "real" choke. It is necessary and normal. That situation might improve a bit as the Gumout does it's work.

Good plan. IF you find your battery dead again, might as well start looking for a new one (after having the charging system checked). Don't fall into the trap of keeping it "alive" by using the tender all the time.

What's a "lubrication method" ?? Could that be "How to change my oil."? :biggrin: