Did I ruin my new batteries

[Wellby]

I just bought 2 new batteries for my 71 911E from the Porsche dealer and they came dry. They did not come with any charging directions. Like an idiot, I didn't look into what type of fluid to put into them or how to best charge them. I added regular water and put the charger on them. They will charge to 12 volts and then immediately start loosing juice. I have now learned that I need to fill them with acid and not water. Is it too late to pour the water out and add the correct acid. Have I already ruined them?

[cdrik915]

No.

You just remove the water and re-fill with the good added water.

[James Brown]

You mean drain and refill with the acid (you can get it at a battery shop). The batteries should be fine.
Hate to see what you paid for the batteries at the dealer!

[wwest]

Originally Posted by Wellby

I just bought 2 new batteries for my 71 911E from the Porsche dealer and they came dry. They did not come with any charging directions. Like an idiot, I didn't look into what type of fluid to put into them or how to best charge them. I added regular water and put the charger on them. They will charge to 12 volts and then immediately start loosing juice. I have now learned that I need to fill them with acid and not water. Is it too late to pour the water out and add the correct acid. Have I already ruined them?

Each battery should have come with a container to be poured into the battery to activate it.

[bfunke]

Have you considered upgrading to a gel battery like Optima. Yes they are a little more expensive but no more worrying about acid spills and corrosion in the battery box.

[RSTarga]

I would never put a liquid battery in my car again. They leak and rust your pan.

[ShakinJoe]

The acid get poured in and turns into a gell like solid.

You ruined the battery I suspect.

[mholbrook38]

You can buy the acid at NAPA. Just pour out the water and get a container (I think it is a box with a plastic liner and a neck fill tube coming out of it. Been a while since I did it.

I don't think you screwed up anything. In any case, the acid is pretty cheap.

[bfunke]

Agree w/ Mholbrook. You didn't ruin your battery. Just pour out the water. Wipe off the case and ASAP refill with sulfuric acid electrolyte solution. Main thing to be careful about is not to let the lead plates get dry out. I worked in a garage when I was in high school I worked in a garage and people often came in to buy batteries and left fairly new exchange cores. We had the acid in a container that looked like the cheap box wine you get from Gallo or Franzia only it had a white hose with a clamp. I found that I could often rejuvenate these old batteries by draining the old electrolyte/sediment and refilling them with fresh solution. I usually gave these away to my friends who were broke high school classmate and some of them lasted years. Just be sure to dispose of the old electrolyte properly since it is hazardous to the environment and to people (contains lead).

[dicklague]

I have sealed Miata batteries and they are terrific.

[regency]

Wellby: During the resto of my 1973 T, I purchased two Sonnenschein gel batteries as (almost) stock replacements, I think they were about $135. each. I bought them on line and they have been working great so far ( about 3 years now ).

Steve

73 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine