Exide 2HN

[thomasarnold]

Got two new batteries for my M38. Quetions: What kind of battery acid do I use with my two Exide 2HN batteries? Do I top them off or do I leave some room for expansion? Is there a certain charging sequence? Regards - TA

[Ryan]

You would need to use regular battery acid, Im not sure if there are different kinds or not. Most places get batteries already filled now days. The only place I know of in our town is here where at the John Deere dealership where I work. We still get our batteries dry and fill them when sold. I believe that Exide makes the batteries for John Deere.

You might have to talk nice to the parts man at the dealership but if they are anything like us it wouldnt cost you much to get it filled.
_________________
52 M38 sn 65788
Getting Close!

[thomasarnold]

Ryan, Thanks for the quick answer. I will give my local parts store a call today. Just wanted to make sure I'll use the right kind...

Regards, TA

[Ryan]

Usually on the batteries we fill here at work you can tell how far to fill them. YOu fill them with acid up untill the mark where you would top them off with distilled water later. I have seen some batteries bubble up and spill a little acid the first time they are charged, so make sure that you charge them away from your vehicle!
_________________
52 M38 sn 65788
Getting Close!

[OKCM38CDN]

Your 2HN batteries will take plain acid (1290 Specific Gravity, I believe), available at Autozone, NAPA etc... get 2-3 smaller containers (Quarts) and add to the bottom of the little fingers sticking down into the cells... Do not over fill...

Charge slowly for 24 hours, do not use quick / rapid charge... I did one battery at a time, only had one charger.... if the acid level drops add as needed after charging... Do the filling out side and have some baking soda available in the event of a spill...

Also do not fill/charge until you are ready to install, they will go bad if left to sit for several months... Dry they will last years...

This is the method I used for my 2HNs and they were done 2 years ago... I try to drive or start the jeep at a minimum once a month and let run for 20 minutes to maintain the charge...

Hope this helps...

[USMCM38A1]

2 HN batteries are on ebay for $115 a piece plus shipping

[thomasarnold]

Thanks for the quick answers. I purchased some acid, charged the batteries and got the engine running for the first time after complete rebuilt. Video can be seen at:


http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/1952m38/?action=view&current=February212007-1559.flv

Now it's time for the fine tuning...

Greetings!