Replacement battery for airhead

[STEVENRANKIN]

Whole heartedly the charging system and its performance relates directly to battery life, performance and in the case of wet batteries, the loss of water. No matter if a charging system is working 100% correct, a wet cell battery will loose water, no way it can't happen, the H2 gas is produced in the charging state and it comes from the water in the battery. The venting of the gas carries as hitchhiker wet solution, which is the cause of corrosion on cables so common in the old wet cell systems. An over charging charging system due to a bad voltage regulator will increase this loss of water and out gassing to the extent I have seen batteries blow up like balloons even explode. Working on a car one time I had a customer with a lit cigarette lean over my shoulder to see what I was doing while I was quickly trying to shut the car off as its battery was expanding and contracting like a set of lungs. Plenty of H2 being produced, (no smoking in the shop but some people think they are special). Turns out his voltage regulator was defective and he was getting full charge of 24 volts off his alternator along with 100amps.

Ok a long story, even the best charging systems are not perfect with wet cell batteries. Climate also had a lot to do with their off gassing, hot days, they produce more gas. The rule of thumb for car charging systems is 13.8 to 14.8 volts, I would quibble that one or two tenths of a volt lower would be the range for a BMW airhead. So say 14.5 volts or so. Even at that setting or lower, you will still loose water. Hey some of us get lucky and can go for months without a great loss, others like me while I didn't loose a gallon of water each week, I did check regularly because hey, it is part of keeping things in shape to check the battery, especially one that uses water.

The way to go is the sealed gel batteries, while they are not perfect either, they are a whole heck of a lot less trouble and worth every penny in my mind. One thing I don't have to worry about now is water level in the battery and the battery connections and box are clean, no more cleaning with baking soda and water.

Wet cell batteries are old tech, and while cheaper in price, I myself don't think they are cheaper in maintenance. Cheers, St.

[jhall]

Steven, again I agree with you on the wet batteries. Heck, I thought they were extinct, till I bought this Airhead. If I recall, the Studebaker Manual says to check battery level weekly, and there's a reason for that. At any rate, I turned mine in today as a core for an AGM, and hope I never stumble into another wet battery. Life is too short to have to bother with buying & storing distilled water, then checking the battery level every time I check the oil. Then unscrewing those tiny caps, and trying to pour water in without making a mess. DONE with all that. LOL

[STEVENRANKIN]

I used to use an eye dropper for topping off the batteries on the bikes. I also had a carton of baking soda near by my charging station. Those days are gone and not looked back on with fondness. Joe, I think you made the right choice, as to the charging system post, I think you will find the solution is ditching the wet battery.

Now I can't promise a failure on the Omega system but, I really think you should do okay with the charging system and new battery. Cheers, St.

[20774]

I use a straw from the local fast food place. Place one end of the straw in the battery cell hole. Hold the straw at a slight angle. Then from a measuring cup with a pour spout, put the spout up against the straw and poor slowly. The water will adhere to the straw into the cell. Maybe put a few paper towels around to catch any stray droplets of water.

[PGlaves]

1. Pour distilled water into clean ceramic cup.
2. Use shop tool ear syringe to get water from cup.
3. Use ear syringe to add water to battery cells.
4. Pour excess water back into container.

[Woodgrain]

I agree with Mr. Cainey. In the 500,000 plus miles I've put on Airheads, the Dekka battery has been the longest lasting, most trouble-free battery I've used.

Woodgrain

[PAS]

I agree with Mr. Cainey. In the 500,000 plus miles I've put on Airheads, the Dekka battery has been the longest lasting, most trouble-free battery I've used.

Woodgrain

I'm a long time user of the PC-680, which Deka battery are you using? I would like to do some comparisons.

[20774]

Actually it is a Deka battery. If you drill down on this website:

http://www.dekacatalog.com/

it appears that the ETX30L is recommended for a /7. You can also search the forum for this model and find lots of threads about this battery. There seems to also be the ETX30LA which has some kind of height adapter to it...like the same but just has the added spacer which is probably not needed for our application.

Interesting side note, the model 53030 looks exactly like the OEM Mareg battery I bought at the dealer.

[STEVENRANKIN]

I emailed Deka to find out where the motorcycle batteries are made and was told they are made in PA. I have been a big fan of Odyssey batteries as the shop I do business with sells them and has had very good luck with them. The next time I am in need of a replacement I may look into finding a Deka battery to fit. St.

[30807]

I like the Dekka AGM Battery made in PA.

Do you have a part number I can order with? Seems there are a bunch of Deka batteries for the motorcycle.
Thanks
Jim