Battery shipped w/o fluid

[ceyko]

I know this is going to be a dumb question, but I'm not sure.

I bought a battery for a mower (and want to buy more online) - and it's dry - w/o any fluid. I know you could get away with distilled water in the past for maintenance - do you just add distilled water for new batteries too or is there a procedure?

I assume they ship it like that, to be legal/not dangerous.

Any help is appreciated.

[Craizie]

If it's not a sealed battery, usually the acid is shipped in its own sealed container, and then you add it.

[lowthreeohz]

yeah check the box again lol

[ceyko]

heh, box is long gone but there was just a packing slip in it. Sucks.

[shumpertdavid]

fresh battery requires acid and initial charging. The chemical reaction when the acid it poured in will make voltage, but the battery needs to be charged properly to ensure a healthy life span. A lot of motorcycle batteries are shipped dry and will include the acid fill in the box as stated above. As for lawn mower batteries, I've never seen one dry but I've always purchased them locally. The auto parts store should be able to get you battery acid if you need it. Basically fill each cell above the plates and below the capping point just as you would if topping it off.

[ceyko]

Thanks shumpertdavid - it's was from MTD via amazon.com - they now make it known that acid is not included (just looked), but either I did not see it or it was not there when I ordered. (reviews complain of samething)

Either way, I'll check local auto parts stores and following your guidelines. Thanks.

[Sleeper]

Hit up motorcycle shops if you can't find any. They usually have more than they need.