Never prepped 2 year old battery. Still good?

[maniscar]

Hello,

Thinking my OEM battery was reaching its end-of-life, I purchased a new YUASA battery from DirectLine back in Oct.2010.   Actually forgot about it as the OEM still starts the bike.  Came acrossed it in my basement the other day.   It is still in the original packaging, never opened, never prepped, etc.

Two questions:
   - Is it still good to use?  i.e. any degradation of the acid/chemicals/cells from sittng that long?
   - If yes, do I use my Batter Tender Plus to charge it?


Thanks,

   Rich  ( '03 Standard )

[MP]

I assume acid never added?  If not, it should be good.

You should use a larger size charger.  I do not remember the details, but the instructions say what size charger, for how long.  I think a Tender is too slow.

MP

[Jess from VA]

If it remained dry, it is good to go (add acid and charge).

No, an initial charge should be with more than a battery tender, even a Plus (most tenders will not bring a fully discharged (but still good) battery back to life.  Initial charge should be like 2 amps for 7-10 hours.  It is also said that after filling with new acid, you should wait an hour before commencing the initial charge.  During the first charge, the seal must be left loosely on which will allow for gassing. The release of gasses could be harmful if not done in a ventilated area.

http://www.atbatt.com/batterytimes/how-to-fill-and-charge-yuasa-ytx14-bs-motorcycle-battery/

[9Ball]

Instructions come with the battery for activating it.  If you can't find them I'd be glad to scan a copy and send to your email.

Make sure you follow the time requirement after adding the acid before hooking it up to the charger.  You'll feel the battery case get hot right after adding the acid and it needs time to cool off before charging (among other chemistry-related issues with the activation process).

A battery tender will not be adequate....You need a charger with 1.4 to 2 Amp/hr rate...don't charge on a higher rate in order to cut time or you may "cook" your new battery.

[maniscar]

Jess, 9Ball, MB

Thanks for the quick responses!   Good to know I don't have to replace it.

Box was never opened.  Battery is dry.   I'll see if I can borrow a better charger.  If not, it's off to the auto stores or Wal-Mart.

Thanks again.

  Rich

[tonyfan70]

Pretty sure it's no good. If you send it to me, I will properly dispose of it for you free of charge.

no pun intended.

[maniscar]

Pretty sure it's no good. If you send it to me, I will properly dispose of it for you free of charge.

no pun intended.

 

[sandy]

I got an Interstate battery for my wing and saved it dry. Over a year later, I installed the acid and charged it overnight on a CTEK 3300 smart charger. That's about 1.5 amps. Two years later it's still cranking like new.