Battery condition question

[Pit Bull]

Truck is 3 years old and has 50K miles on it. I still have the OEM batteries, white semi transparent case. Today I noticed with the sunlight shining on them that the water level was down about 2 to 3 inches. I know that I can pry open the vent caps on these maintance free batteries and add distilled water (don't really want to) My luck one would blow up in my face. How much time do you think I have left with these batteries based on the water level? I guess there is enough water that the view windows still show green.

 

[roycrown]

I have been trying (as carefully as possible) to pry off the vent caps for 3 1/2 years. I give up, if I pry any harder something will slip/scratch paint/acid in my face or something. Will just have to buy new ones when it doesn't start. Does bother me though whenm I know that the simple addittion of some water could extend the life by a year or two.

 

[illflem]

My "maintenance free" OEMs went 5 years adding water, in fact one is still going in a tractor.

 

[Bob Horrell]

My wife has a 95 CTD and I have a 96. Both are on original batteries. Although, my wife's batteries are about gone and I will probably replace them next week. My 96 batteries are still going strong and seem like they will make it through another winter. It doesn't get real cold here but we get snow several times a year and temps in the teens at night.

Right from the get go I would add distilled water to these batteries once a year. The sealed cap is easy to pry up with a large screw driver. Never had any acid issues but I did wear safety goggles while doing it. After adding water I would put a little silicone around the edge of the cap and replace it. Next year it comes off easier.

One of the biggest causes of battery failures (when they are being properly charged) is lack of water. In dry climates it will dry up in just a few years.

 

[bombero]

Bob is right on. I pried off the caps on mine and about every other oil change I add a little water. On my 92CTD I didnt do this and the battery lasted about 2 1/2 years. ( 92s had one batt)

 

[Motorhead]

I PULLED the batteries from the truck and benched them. I took a claw hammer and a thin piece of wood between the hammer anb battery top and gently pried apound the tops until they came off. They can be a bugger but take your time and work around the cap to break it loose. My '01. 5 took water right away. Hey do it and get your moneys worth out of the OE batteries.