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Old 03-08-2011, 09:55 AM
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ajbrown ajbrown is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2009
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Default A list makes it seem so formal. Do not be fooled....
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdVinMass View Post
AJ, how do you clean them.
Not sure you are asking me for my whole procedure or not, but here it is just in case. I follow the general guideline at: http://www.trojanbattery.com/Battery.../Cleaning.aspx

Notes:
  • Do not clean your batteries on your driveway.
  • Find a way to protect your controller and computer from excessive water.

I have switched from baking soda to a battery cleaner/acid neutralizer. IMO, it is much easier to work with and clean up. In this case I used Noco Battery Cleaner and Acid Detector. You spray in on and it foams up yellow, turning purple if any acid is detected. Wal-Mart has cans for less than $3 - $5.

My procedure looks like this:
  1. Take body off. This is optional, but this Club Car has 8 6V batteries and it makes it easier to get to everything.
  2. Roll cart onto front lawn.
  3. I detach battery pack's + and - terminals, optional, but dead shorts can be a scary thing and when I am in and around the pack/motor I do it by habit.
  4. I use hot soapy water to clean around rear axle, motor to keep dirt and grease free. Obviously optional, but while I am here….
  5. Visually inspect batteries and cables.
  6. Make sure battery caps tight.
  7. Talk to neighbors who are going by (this step will be repeated for everyone that passes, especially if your cart has no body ). It is the most enjoyable part of the process.
  8. I spray the sides, backs and between batteries first, looking for any acid (spray turns purple). If I find acid on the side, near tray it may cause me to remove batteries and wash tray. I do not expect to find acid on sides and did not this time. If I do find acid I make a note to keep an eye on that area.
  9. Next I spray each terminal, battery holders and tops of batteries, again looking for acid, where I see acid I spray a bit more in that area. I DO NOT put neutralizer on caps. To wash caps I take them off after I am done and do them separately.
  10. I use a big brush to give the terminals and battery tops a gentle scrub. Be careful to not scrub the neutralizer into the cap vent holes.
  11. I wash down the pack with low pressure and re-inspect. If any areas are still dirty I redo.
  12. At this point the pack is clean and acid free.
  13. I now disconnect each terminal, inspect connector, rewash connector and terminal with battery cleaner. I reattach wires.
  14. Wipe pack dry.
  15. Check and tighten battery holders.
  16. Spray connections with battery terminal protector.

When you write it down it seems like alot of work, but it is not so bad....
Last edited by ajbrown; 03-09-2011 at 05:36 AM.