EDTA to extend battery life?

[mikethebike]

My bike sits for most of the year and has an old battery.  I bought some EDTA after reading about it on the net (Homepower).  Has anyone used it?  I've put a solution in my battery and it's bubbling away merrily.  The sulphates are coming off as I type!  I was going to buy another battery when I found that one cell was down on volts compared to the others.  Reports on the net say it works.  I'll let you folks know what happens.
Mike

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Never heard of it - but curious!

[diggers]

Ahhh...what's "EDTA"??

[beemer]

Look here!
http://www.webspawner.com/users/edta/

[mikethebike]

OK! Report so far.  I added the specified amount to the one dodgy cell and it immediately started bubbling. (Make sure there is plenty of ventilation due to gassing off)  I checked it after a couple of hours and the lead plates were definitely more visible.  I decide "What the heck!" and treated all the cells. Much bubbling and some slight heat. (I didn't have to remove any electrolyte as it was below the full mark anyway)  The bubbles increase the volume of liquid but I had no spillage.  It started to calm down late last night so I left it overnight. I checked the overall voltage and it was less but I understand that this is normal.  I checked the previously dodgy cell and it was more balanced to the others.  It's now on trickle charge. More later! Mike  

[mikethebike]

I put the battery back on the bike this morning and purposely left the fuel off and no choke.  The battery cranked over well and didn't start to die as it has been doing.  Fuel and choke on and it started up straight away.  It is running well at the moment so fingers crossed we'll see how she goes.
Mike

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Impressive!  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

[tagordon]

A weak epsom salt aka Magnesium sulfate solution works.
Does your product tell you the active ingrediant?

[Ed Miller]

EDTA only has one ingredient, unless you want to know the various elements in it.

I want to see pictures of Sadie enjoying a ride in a side car.  A movie on you-tube would be even better.

[mikethebike]

It's ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid!
Mike

[Justin B.]

Is that what's in the old VX-6 battery additive that used to be widely sold?  I may try your "snake-oil" in an old BMW battery I have laying around to see if it will allow it to take a full charge again...

[tagordon]

This is what I am referring to. It has worked for me every time I have done it. On batteries for diesel rigs & bikes. The surging technique for the NiCads saved me some bucks when I was using cordless tools every day.

http://ysuusy.com/Lead_Acid_Car_Battery_Repair.html

Ed
Sadie would consider all offers for side car rides.
I am working all angles to find one, but cash is scarce at the moment.
I am thinking if I can find the frame & wheel that I can fab a body & mounts.

[mikethebike]

Update. Bike sat for a week. Started with no problem and sounded healthy on the starter.  I'm very pleased!
Mike  

[mikethebike]

Further update- Bike sat till today and cranked up with a lively starter.  EDTA gets the thumbs up from me.  I would have bought a new battery by now otherwise.
Mike

[Justin B.]

OK, I have a bmw R65 battery out in the garage that won't take or hold a full charge anymore.  Where did you get this stuff?