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Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1284 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 6:38 am Post subject: How long can you store a new, unfilled battery?
We've seen that question asked a few times. Yuasa's opinion is 7 years, provided the seal hasn't been removed from the overflow nipple and none of the caps have been opened. So the owner of this Norton I'm working on brings me a battery he bought new...back in 1990! I told him I'd try it, but really - a 22 year old battery? No way.
Though it was house-branded for Checker Auto Parts (defunct), it's a Yuasa Yumicron - made in USA with "Sulf Defense". Brand new condition in original sealed box, though I didn't notice any vacuum in it when I pulled the plug off the overflow nipple. I filled it, charged it with a Yuasa automatic charger, let it sit overnight. 12 hours after taking it off the charger, 12.75 volts, and the specific gravity of all cells is 1.275. I doubt this is typical of such an old battery, but it shows it's at least worth a shot.
Joined: Oct 26, 2007 Posts: 1143 Location: Greensburg Pa
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 7:10 am Post subject:
Stu, I don't think I would recomend letting a battery sit that long, but if it was stored unopened in a dry place, I can't see why the lead plates would deteriorate without the acid to activate the process. Never gave it any thought before.
...........Paul _________________ �77 CB550f
�77 CB750a
�78 GL1000
�80 CB650c
�75 GL1000-finally finished
�79 KZ200
68 CB450K1-taking up all my time
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1284 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 1:13 pm Post subject:
05c50 wrote:
Stu, I don't think I would recomend letting a battery sit that long, but if it was stored unopened in a dry place, I can't see why the lead plates would deteriorate without the acid to activate the process. Never gave it any thought before.
...........Paul
. The plates are charged, then dried. Then the battery is sealed with a vacuum in it to prevent oxygen from reacting with the plates. Over time, the vacuum seal eventually gives out, and the battery starts aging quickly. My friends at Yuasa told me 7 years as a guideline before the battery wasn't likely to be useable, but this is amazing. 24 hours now after charging, and it still reads 12.72. Maybe it's just a surface charge, and it'll fall flat on its face under load. We'll see...
Joined: Oct 02, 2006 Posts: 2051 Location: New Britian, CT
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 2:44 am Post subject:
I have seen some a lot older then 22 years and still be able to hold a charge. Personally, a lot of it has to do with safety issues regarding the seals. If it still holds a charge after a few days go ahead and use it.
Joined: Jan 15, 2012 Posts: 85 Location: Lawton, Michigan
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:50 am Post subject:
+1 on using the battery.
If still in doubt; perform a "home brew" load test. Make sure battery is fully charged. Connect a volt meter to the battery, crank the engine with the kill switch on (won't fire) for 5-10 seconds. The voltage shouldn't go below 9 1/2 - 10volts.
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1284 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 6:59 pm Post subject:
K5 wrote:
+1 on using the battery.
If still in doubt; perform a "home brew" load test. Make sure battery is fully charged. Connect a volt meter to the battery, crank the engine with the kill switch on (won't fire) for 5-10 seconds. The voltage shouldn't go below 9 1/2 - 10volts.
-Ray
Actually, it shouldn't go below 11 volts. But it's a moot point. This battery is for a '74 Norton Commando - kick start only. A real man's machine
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