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AR15.COM
12/19/2015 8:56:52 PM EDT
Lead acid type, not assault type.

I have a 12 volt lawn tractor size battery, less than 5 months old, I use it for specific stuff.
It got knocked over without my knowledge, and spilled an unknown amount of electrolyte, most of it on my workbench.
Looks like 4 of 6 cells are full, then 1 is 3/4 and 1 is about half.

Anyway, is there a trick or a formula or any such way, to salvage it? I hate to get rid of it, mostly cause I don't want to have to buy a new one. I need it asap too, for the stuff I use it for, I need to do tomorrow.
I have distilled water, battery acid, and a hydrometer... help me learn!


(Stuff I do is not secret or anything, just not germane to the main question. It is treating beehives with oxalic acid vapor. got 10 hives that need a treatment)
12/19/2015 9:12:18 PM EDT
[#1]
You used to be able to go to the auto parts store and buy acid. It's been years so YMMV but you could try a NAPA or something.

EDIT:  Well I reread your post, and you have acid; why not just refill it?
12/19/2015 9:14:55 PM EDT
[#2]
add distilled water to top them off, should be fine.


12/19/2015 9:19:39 PM EDT
[#3]

Quote History
Quoted:


add distilled water to top them off, should be fine.



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This.



 
12/19/2015 9:29:34 PM EDT
[#4]
Three options

1. Replace battery

2 Add distilled water and hope for best

3 Add distilled water, charge properly then drain. Fill with fresh battery acid to proper level.
12/19/2015 9:31:52 PM EDT
[#5]
Dilute Sulphuric acid, approximately  1.265 S.G will be ideal.
 5 gallon pail should cost around 10 bucks.

.

Nice guy down at the local auto electric rebuilder will likely refill your battery  for free.

Offer him a 5 dollar tip.

 
12/19/2015 9:38:08 PM EDT
[#6]
Car or automotive battery acid is 30-50% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in water.

Usually the acid has a mole fraction of 29%-32% sulfuric acid, density of 1.25–1.28 kg/L and concentration of 4.2–5 mol/L.

Battery acid has a pH of approximately 0.8.
12/19/2015 9:44:33 PM EDT
[#7]

Thats a lot of acid to lose.  I wouldnt risk changing the specific gravity.  That would
most likely make the battery a lot weaker. fewer amps.  You can buy the acid you
need for cheap.   Top it off and test the specific gravity.  Batteries arnt cheap anymore.