From: jrojas@tech-man.com   
      
   Nick Amato wrote:   
   > Honestly, its been probably about a year since it was set up this way.. and   
   I think the person who had them before me had it wrong too then. So a total of   
   around a year and a half like that.  How would I know if I have permanent   
   damage?   
   >   
      
   A 4 to 1 mixture of distilled or rain water & epson salt to help keep   
   your batteries in top condition.   
      
   4 parts of distilled or rain water   
   1 part epson salt   
      
   You can make a quick batch using a microwave and a glass measuring cup.   
      
   I like to make a half gallon at a time and keep it on hand at all times.   
      
   1. Bring the water to a slight boil.   
   2. Add epson salt and stir until it is all dissolved. Never add epson   
   salt without first dissolving it. It will just sink to the bottom and clump.   
   3. Allow mixture to cool.   
   4. Add in each cell as needed. If possible, shake the battery to mix it   
   up good.   
   5. Do not overfill your batteries. It will overflow and make a mess. a   
   1/4 inch over the top of the plate is more than enough.   
      
   You can also try this recipe with batteries that no longer hold a good   
   charge. Marine, Golf Cart, and Fork Lift batteries are best to use   
   because the plates are much thicker. Car batteries plates for the most   
   part are thin, and they disintegrate easily over time.   
      
   You can use car batteries if you do the following:   
      
   1. Completely drain the battery of all liquids.   
   2. Add baking soda to the old battery acid to neutralize it, and safe   
   disposal.   
   3. Rinse out the batteries a few times using rain water (free). Rinse   
   until the water comes out clear. DO NOT USE A WATER HOSE. You can use   
   compressed air and a plastic tube if you want to agitate the plates. The   
   impurities in in normal drinking water will destroy your battery.   
   4. Make your 4 to 1 mixture, and allow it to cool.   
   5. Pour it into each cell.   
   6. Leave the fill caps loose.   
   7. Charge your battery at no more than 2 amps for about 3 days.   
   8. Take readings each day and write down the results.   
   9. After the 3 days have passed, do a load test. You are not going to   
   get a full 100% of the rated CCA, but if you get 50-90 percent, then you   
   are good to go.   
      
   Keep detailed records of each battery you do this to. Using a soldering   
   iron or evgraving tool, give each battery a unique serial number. This   
   will save you headaches in the future, and prevent you from wasting time   
   on a battery you already reconditioned many times in the past.   
      
   Many preppers pay $0-$5 for old car batteries and have achieved   
   excellent results with this method. There is no need to pay top dollar   
   for batteries that will die eventually. You can repeat this process up   
   to 3 to 4 times before a battery will finally die completely. Think   
   about what you will save in the long run.   
      
   I prefer using smaller pallet jack batteries. Each 2 volt cell weighs   
   about 50-75 lbs, but a $500 used set will last 30-40 years if you   
   maintain it correctly.   
      
   Jim Rojas   
      
      
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