Electrolyte density

Inspection of the battery allows you to evaluate its technical condition. Some shortcomings can be identified. Checking the battery (external condition, quality of insulation mastic, density) of the battery removed from the car is carried out in a certain order.

First of all, you need to check the condition of the monoblock itself, make sure that there is no leakage. To do this, wipe the walls and the bottom with a dry cloth and inspect. If there is a leak, it is necessary to replace the monoblock.

Next, you should check the condition of the surfaces of the battery caps, the layer of mastic. Covers should not be dirty, they should not have cracks and roughness. Electrolyte and dirt, trapped in cracks, are able to conduct electric current. This accelerates the self-discharge of the battery. If there is dirt on the surface of the battery or if traces of spilled electrolyte are visible, wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in a 10% aqueous solution of ammonia. After this, wipe the covers dry.

With special care, it is necessary to inspect the battery clamps. The layer of oxide formed on the pin clamps should be removed with a glass skin (with closed plugs). It is also necessary to clean the screw clamps, remove the plugs and clean the gas vents with a thin wooden stick. Do not use metal wire for this purpose.

A discharged battery, unable to turn the crankshaft with the required speed, must be charged. When detecting foreign particles in the electrolyte or changing the color, the electrolyte must be replaced. Before replacing, you should discharge the battery to an acceptable level. After this it is necessary to pour out the electrolyte. The battery needs to be rinsed. To do this, use distilled water. Flushing should be carried out, observing safety measures. After the fill is done again. The density of the electrolyte to be filled after flushing should be the same as before. After that, you should charge the battery again.

It is necessary to regularly check the level and density of electrolyte in each "bank" in accordance with climatic conditions and the time of year.

To determine the level, a special glass tube should be used. It is lowered into the accumulator until it rests against the upper edge of the plate. After the tube should be clamped with a finger, get it and see the liquid level in it.

However, as a rule, the tube is absent. In this case, you can take a piece of paper, bend it in the form of a stick and drop it into the "jar." The electrolyte will impregnate the paper, and the level will be visible. For the norm is considered to be ten to fifteen millimeters (if everything is all right, you can check the density).

Distilled water should be added if the level is below normal. Only H2O is allowed to be refilled. This is due to the fact that water evaporates from the electrolyte during operation . The heavier acid remains in the plates. If you top up the electrolyte, the acid will be in an overabundance. This will lead to a rapid falling off of the layer and the battery failure.

The density of the electrolyte is an indicator of the degree of charge of the battery. If it is dosed with H2O, the measurements can be carried out after two hours after refilling. The density of a fully charged battery is 1.28-1.30 grams per cubic centimeter.

Carry out a check carefully, remembering the presence of sulfuric acid in the battery. If electrolyte drops hit open parts of the body or parts of the machine, they should be washed with water and soda (food).

The measurement is carried out using a hydrometer. The density of electrolyte in all banks should differ no more than 0,02-0,03 grams per cubic centimeter.