"MF battery"? maintenance.....Solved?

My XJ600 - which I have had for 2 weeks, did not want to electric start this morning. (Easy to bump start, though).

Once it's been running a few mnutes, it turns over fine. I know it's not very technical, but switching the lights on and revving the engine = lights got brighter, so I think the charging circuit is working.

I should say I rode 60 miles with the lights on when I collected it and feel sure it would have died had the alternator been faulty.

The point of my question is that I thought I'd charge the battery, start the bike and measure the voltages etc.

The battery says "MF" (Might be a horrible Chinese brand) but still has individual top up caps and a breather hole, as well as "Max" and "Min" marks. I cannot see any electrolyte at all, although 4 of the 6 cells have yellowish stains inside.

Is it a maintenance free battery?
Can I top it up?

Thanks.


Well, I took the battery off, found a garage that sold deionised water - not easy these days - and left her charging for a good few hours. Refitted to bike and away it went.

Just hope it doesnt go flat in another 2 weeks!!! Have added alternator brushes to my "To do" checklist.

I keep telling everyone the XJ is NOT a "Project"!!!

 

Re: "MF battery"? maintenance

You can top it off be sure to use distilled water. A battery run dry like that may be toast but refill and charge. Once you refill and charge you can carry it to an auto parts store for a load test.

 

Re: "MF battery"? maintenance

MF in this case probably means "mighty fried."

Individual top caps, drain hose, MAX/MIN marks--- that's not a maintenance free battery; it a conventional battery.

A dried-out conventional battery. I doubt the completely dried out cells will come back.

I would simply replace it.

 

Re: "MF battery"? maintenance

Should have said - The ad Said "New battery" - which is why I thought it was ok. Looks newish from the outside.
Thanks for the replies - maybe "MF" refers to the prevoius owner.......???

 

Re: "MF battery"? maintenance

It was new at one time

I agree with Fitz but I'm cheap I'd fill it - charge it and have it load tested. If it's bad you are right there to get another one

 

Re: "MF battery"? maintenance

Im on the cheap train two, I just resurected my battery with all cells having less than an inch of fluid, after a night of charging it was like nothing had ever happened.
And if you have to k-mart batteries are wicked cheap.
No Harm in giving it a try

 

Re: "MF battery"? maintenance

The PO of my '81 told me he had put a new battery in it too; he was rather proud of himself.

Apparently nobody told him you had to check the water occasionally.

All the cells were down below halfway, but not dried out all the way.

It "came back" and tests OK, but it's not as strong as it would be had it not been neglected. You might get lucky.

 

Re: "MF battery"? maintenance

Here in OZ we have a product called "INOX" which disolves the harmful sulphation that effects lead acid batteries.The blurb says that if the battery is in good mechanical condition it dissolves the sulphation and restores active materials.I,ve used it in a bike battery that wouldn,t hold charge and made it almost like new again They say it will gain an additional 2 years service life.
So, at about $Au 10 it,s a cheap try if you can find a similar product at your local auto shop.It also acts as a preventative on new batteries as well.

Cheers, Murray