Reviving a Motorcycle Battery: Info from a Battery Store in Houston, TX

Motorcycle batteries are essentially smaller versions of the 12-volt batteries you find in automobiles—they are instead six-volt lead acid batteries. If you have a motorcycle battery that simply will not charge, that does not necessarily mean the battery is beyond repair.

The most common issue that causes this sort of battery failure is sulfation. This is an issue that occurs when a lead acid battery is very heavily discharged, resulting in sulfur from the battery acid sticking to the lead plates on the interior of the battery and blocking the electric current.

Believe it or not, it doesn’t take a significant amount of money to fix a motorcycle battery that’s not working. Here’s a quick overview from our battery store in Houston, TX of the steps you’ll need to follow to revive it.

• Be safe: You should always take the proper safety precautions when working with a battery, because the battery contains sulfuric acid—an extremely toxic substance. Therefore, it is necessary to wear gloves and safety goggles. You should also only work in a well-ventilated area so you can avoid fumes. Be sure to avoid any open flames and never work on a battery that’s been used recently—it should be cooled to room temperature before you begin work.
• Remove the battery: Take the battery out of the motorcycle. You’ll first need to loosen all the battery connectors, which may require you to use a small wrench (typically a crescent wrench will suffice). Next, take the small, plastic cell caps off the top of the battery, and then completely drain the fluid out of the battery.
• Mix: After you’ve finished draining the fluid, your next step is to prepare a solution of eight ounces of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) with a quart of distilled water. Heating the water to about 130 degrees will make it easier for the Epsom salts to dissolve. You should never use tap water, because the chemicals found in tap water can damage the battery. Fill each cell with the solution, using a funnel to make your job easier. After you’ve filled all the cells, shake the battery to ensure even distribution.
• Charge: Next, place the battery on a six-volt trickle charger, or a different charger that has a slow charge option. You want to avoid charging the battery too quickly, because too much power during charging could result in damage to the battery. Allow the battery to charge overnight or until the charger indicator says the charging process is complete. At that point, you’ll be able to turn off the charger and get the cell caps back on.
• Reinstall: Put the battery back into the motorcycle and make sure you properly fasten all connectors. At this point, it is safe to test the battery. It should operate normally. If not, you can try the process again, or seek the assistance of a professional.

If you’re having trouble with your motorcycle battery, visit Texford Battery Co.! Our experts can provide useful information about reviving dead motorcycle batteries in Houston, TX.

Categorised in: Battery Store

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