Flow-Rite QWIK-FILL MP-2000 - User Manual

Package Contents
Installaon
Qwik-Fill On-Board Baery Watering System
Installaon and Operaon
Important
Prior to inial installaon, inspect
the exisng baery water level. If
they have been neglected and the
level is extremely low, manually ll
each cell so all plates are covered.
Then, charge the baeries, before
installing and using Qwik-Fill to top
o. Topping o a baery that has
been neglected and then charging
can cause the water level to expand
during the charging process resulng
in the loss of electrolyte. Once Qwik-
Fill is installed, monthly topping
o aer charging will prevent an
extremely low water level to occur.
1
Join two manifolds together as shown
using the appropriate size manifold jumper
for your baery group size. The manifold
jumpers are marked and can be easily cut
with a ulity knife or a pair of scissors.
2
Carefully remove your baery’s exisng
caps and insert a manifold assembly into
each baery. Press each assembly rmly in
place so that it ts ush with the baery
top.
4
Connect the water supply line to one end
of the baery “chain”. The 4’ of tubing
supplied may be cut to the desired length
or if a longer length is required 20’ of 1/4”
ID exible tubing is available in the Qwik-
Fill accessory pack. (sold separately)
3
Link mulple baeries together using the
clear tubing. If the baeries are separated
by several feet, allow the tubing to sag
between baeries. Ensure that the tops
of all baeries linked together are at the
same level. For opmum performance,
it is best to limit the number of baeries
connected to a single ll point to two.
5
Cover the remaining barb with a red end
cap and installaon is complete.
BL-186
11/11
Illustration purposes only. Actual product is subject to change.

Summary

Installation Guide

Important Pre-Installation Steps

Inspect battery water levels, manually fill if low, and charge batteries before topping off.

Manifold Assembly and Linking

Join manifolds, insert into batteries, and link multiple batteries using clear tubing.

Water Supply and Finalizing

Connect the water supply line and cover the remaining barb with a red end cap.

Operation and Configurations

Important Operation Precautions

Batteries should only be filled after charging. Safety warnings about acid and gases.

Battery Filling Procedure

Insert squeeze bulb into water, prime, connect, pump into cells, disconnect, and return excess.

Winterizing and Tubing Notes

Note on draining excess water for winterizing and how to remove tubing from fittings.

Typical Installation Configurations

Diagrams showing typical battery arrangements and required Qwik-Fill Kits for each.

Overview

The Qwik-Fill On-Board Battery Watering System is a specialized device designed to simplify and streamline the process of maintaining optimal water levels in lead-acid batteries, particularly those found in recreational vehicles, marine applications, and other multi-battery setups. Its primary function is to provide a single-point watering solution, eliminating the need to manually check and fill each battery cell individually. This system ensures consistent and accurate filling, preventing both under-filling, which can damage battery plates, and over-filling, which can lead to electrolyte spillage and corrosion.

The system operates on a simple yet effective principle: a series of interconnected manifolds with individual valves are installed into each battery cell, replacing the existing caps. These manifolds are then linked together with clear tubing, forming a chain across all batteries in the bank. A main water supply line connects to this chain, leading to a squeeze bulb filler assembly. When the user squeezes the bulb, distilled water is drawn from a jug and pumped into the manifold system. Each valve within the manifold is designed to automatically shut off the water flow once the correct electrolyte level is reached in its respective cell. This ensures that every cell receives the precise amount of water needed, regardless of its initial level, without the risk of overfilling. The clear tubing allows for visual inspection of water flow, providing an additional layer of confidence during the filling process.

One of the key usage features of the Qwik-Fill system is its ease of installation and operation. The package contents typically include different kits (e.g., Kit A for dual batteries, Kit B for single batteries) to accommodate various battery configurations. The installation process involves joining manifold sections together using appropriate jumpers, which are often marked for easy cutting to fit specific battery group sizes. These manifold assemblies are then firmly inserted into the battery cells, replacing the original caps. Clear tubing is used to link multiple batteries, with instructions to allow for some sag between batteries if they are separated by several feet, and to ensure all linked batteries are at the same level for optimal performance. The water supply line is then connected to one end of this battery chain. The supplied tubing can be cut to the desired length, and longer tubing is available as an accessory if needed. Finally, a red end cap covers any remaining barb on the manifold, completing the installation.

Once installed, the operation is straightforward. The user first inserts the squeeze bulb filler assembly into a jug of distilled water. The bulb is primed by squeezing it until it fills with water. Next, the dust cap is removed from the water supply line, and the quick couplers are snapped together to connect it to the squeeze bulb filler assembly. With firm pressure, the user squeezes the bulb to pump water into the battery cells. The system is designed so that when the bulb becomes hard to squeeze, it indicates that all cells are full. After filling, the squeeze bulb filler assembly is disconnected from the water supply line, and the dust cap is replaced. Any remaining water in the squeeze bulb filler assembly can be pumped back into the distilled water jug, minimizing waste.

The system emphasizes the importance of proper battery maintenance practices. Before initial installation, it is crucial to inspect the existing battery water level. If the levels are extremely low, the user is instructed to manually fill each cell so that all plates are covered. Following this, the batteries must be charged before installing and using Qwik-Fill to top off. The manual explicitly warns against topping off a neglected battery and then charging it, as this can cause the water level to expand during the charging process, potentially resulting in the loss of electrolyte. Once Qwik-Fill is installed, monthly topping off after charging is recommended to prevent extremely low water levels from occurring again. This highlights the system's role as a maintenance tool rather than a corrective solution for severely neglected batteries.

Maintenance features of the Qwik-Fill system are also designed for convenience. For general winterizing, the system includes a feature to drain excess water from the water supply line by pushing a spring-loaded button at the end of the line. If necessary, the clear tubing can be removed by pinching it next to the fitting, carefully twisting, and pulling straight off. This allows for easy preparation of the battery system for storage or periods of inactivity, preventing potential freezing and damage. The robust design of the components, including the manifolds, tubing, and quick couplers, ensures durability and reliable performance over time, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The use of clear tubing also serves as a maintenance feature, allowing for visual inspection of the water flow and identifying any potential blockages or issues within the system. The modular nature of the manifold jumpers and tubing allows for easy customization and adaptation to various battery layouts, further simplifying both initial setup and any future modifications or repairs. The overall design aims to minimize user intervention and maximize the lifespan and performance of the batteries by ensuring consistent and correct watering.

Flow-Rite QWIK-FILL MP-2000 Specifications