As the leading expert at keyfobprog.com, specializing in automotive repairs and battery technology, we often encounter questions about lithium battery performance. One common concern among users of Anti Gravity Batteries, particularly in older motorcycles, is battery swelling. It’s important to understand that a swollen battery is not typical and usually indicates an issue, most often related to overcharging. Let’s delve into the primary reasons behind this and how to prevent it.
The vast majority of Anti Gravity Batteries are designed to maintain their shape and size within your vehicle. Swelling or bulging is an anomaly, and in almost every instance we’ve investigated, overcharging is the culprit. This is particularly true for classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and pre-1990s Japanese and European bikes, which are often equipped with older, potentially failing voltage regulators. If you own a vintage motorcycle, upgrading your voltage regulator is highly recommended as a preventative measure.
Let’s examine the two main reasons why your Anti Gravity Battery might be experiencing overcharging and subsequent swelling:
1. Defective Voltage Regulators in Older Motorcycles
Many motorcycles manufactured from the 1960s through the 1980s utilized mechanical voltage regulators. These systems, due to age and wear, are prone to malfunction. A failing mechanical voltage regulator can lose its ability to effectively control the voltage and charge directed to your battery. Instead of maintaining a steady and safe charging voltage, these defective regulators can send voltage spikes as high as 28V to your lithium battery.
This excessive voltage is detrimental to lithium batteries and can lead to a range of problems, including swelling and physical damage. In severe cases, overcharging can even induce thermal runaway, potentially resulting in battery explosion or fire. Our user manual explicitly instructs users to verify their system’s voltage regulator operation precisely because of this risk. For any motorcycle manufactured before 1990, we strongly advise upgrading to a modern, plug-and-play voltage regulator. This simple update can significantly enhance the reliability of your charging system and protect your battery.
2. Using Incorrect Battery Chargers
Another frequent cause of lithium battery swelling is the use of inappropriate chargers. Specifically, charging a lithium battery with a lead-acid charger or a standard battery tender-type charger is a common mistake. These chargers are designed for lead-acid batteries and operate with charging profiles that are incompatible with lithium batteries.
Lead-acid chargers can easily overcharge lithium batteries, leading to damage that manifests as swelling. Continued use of an incorrect charger can exacerbate the problem and, like voltage regulator issues, create a risk of fire. To ensure the longevity and safety of your Anti Gravity Battery, it is crucial to use only chargers specifically designed for lithium batteries, particularly those using LIFEPO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) technology, which is what Anti Gravity Batteries utilize.
Chargers and Maintainers specifically engineered for Lithium Batteries are available on our website. Investing in the correct charger is a small price to pay for the safety and extended lifespan of your battery.
For further information, please review our Warranty Information page. Understanding the causes of battery swelling and taking preventative measures like updating your voltage regulator and using a lithium-compatible charger will ensure optimal performance and safety for your Anti Gravity Battery.
