Electrolyte level?

[John Calf]

My batteries are very accessible at any time. Would it be better to have just enough electrolyte to cover the plates, say 1/4 inch? Or just below the cover. My thinking is that more liquid would take more watts to keep the strength up, but then again, would that more liquid deliver more amp/hours? Of course with the liquid being at the same SG in both cases. I may be way out in left field here, lol.
Yes, I'm a newbie.:unsure:

[Rob Beckers]

Hi John,

Whether the fluid level is just above the plates or just below the filler covers won't meaningfully affect the SG value of the acid. For safety's sake it is better to fill to 1/4" below the BOTTOM of the filler tubes. There usually is a notched plastic piece sticking down when you look into the filler hole, you should stay below that to accommodate expansion of the fluid (acid spilling over the top makes a mess).

Letting the plates go dry would be very bad, so don't try to keep the fluid levels low!

-RoB-