I thought the club might be interested in this info from the Trojan battery
website.....
Watering
(Flooded batteries only)
Flooded batteries need water. More importantly, watering must be done
at the right time and in the right amount or else the battery's
performance and longevity suffers.
Water should always be added after fully charging the battery. Prior
to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the
battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level
should also be above the plates. Keeping the water at the correct
level after a full charge will prevent having to worry about the
water level at a different state of charge.
Depending on the local climate, charging methods, application, etc.
Trojan recommends that batteries be checked once a month until you
get a feel for how thirsty your batteries are.
Important things to remember:
1. Do not let the plates get exposed to air. This will damage
(corrode) the plates.
2. Do not fill the water level in the filling well to the cap. This
most likely will cause the battery to overflow acid, consequently
losing capacity and causing a corrosive mess.
3. Do not use water with a high mineral content. Use distilled or
deionized water only.
CAUTION: The electrolyte is a solution of acid and water so skin
contact should be avoided.
Step by step watering procedure:
1. Open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.
2. Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the
plates.
3. If necessary add just enough water to cover the plates at this
time.
4. Put batteries on a complete charge before adding any additional
water (refer to the Charging section).
5. Once charging is completed, open the vent caps and look inside the
fill wells.
6. Add water until the electrolyte level is 1/8" below the bottom of
the fill well.
7. A piece of rubber can be used safely as a dipstick to help
determine this level.
8. Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps.
WARNING: Never add acid to a battery.
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