The battery is either covered with a lid or has a transparent case. Since the electrolyte components may evaporate, check the electrolyte level and add distilled water if necessary. The electrolyte level should be between the marks on the case or above the separator plates. To top up, remove the lid and pour distilled water to the desired level.
Checking the battery discharge level
Fig. 281. Hydrometer for determining the density of electrolyte
The degree of discharge of the battery is determined by the density of the electrolyte, for this you will need a hydrometer (Fig. 281) with a pipette. Remove the lid and immerse the end of the hydrometer in the electrolyte. By pressing the rubber bulb, collect enough electrolyte so that the float can float freely. Depending on the degree of discharge, the electrolyte has a different density, which, in turn, determines the degree of immersion of the float and thus the corresponding reading on the scale printed on the float. At a value of 1.28 g / cm³, the battery is considered fully charged; at a value of 1.12 g/cm³ — completely discharged. The values in the interval between them determine the degree of discharge.
Fig. 282. Checking battery voltage with a voltmeter
To check the battery voltage, use a conventional voltmeter, which, as shown in Fig. 282, is connected between the two terminals. Check the voltage after the battery has been charged by the generator for at least 6 hours. The voltmeter reading should be 12.4 V. A lower value indicates a poor charge of the battery.
Charging the battery
Add only distilled water to a deeply discharged battery and only after charging. During battery charging, the acid level increases, so the battery may "boil over". The charging current should not initially exceed 10% of the battery capacity. Depending on the design of the charger used, the charging current is gradually reduced automatically. The battery is considered fully charged if the electrolyte density does not change during 2 hours of charging.
Remove the battery cover and leave it on the ventilation hole. Since acid splashing is unavoidable during strong charging, place sheets of newspaper around the battery, for example. If charging is carried out in a closed room, it must be well ventilated. Never expose the battery to an open flame.
When using a charger with automatic shut-off, you can leave the battery in the car. You can also leave the terminals connected. When using a fast charger, disconnect both battery terminals to avoid overloading the generator diodes, electronic switching devices, car radio, etc.
Removal and installation
The battery is located in the engine compartment on the body frame. Before removing, disconnect the wires from the battery terminals. Always disconnect the "minus" wire first. Then remove the terminal bolts and take out the battery.
Before installation, first clean the terminals and lubricate them with the appropriate grease. Then connect and tighten the positive wire first.
Starting the engine with a discharged battery
The simplest option is to use a wire connecting the starter and the donor battery. This wire must have the proper cross-section and strong connecting terminals to pass current from one battery to the other. First connect the positive wire to both positive terminals, then the negative wire to the corresponding terminals.
Pushing and towing are also the most well-known methods of starting an engine with a "weak" battery.
When starting the engine by pushing, proceed as follows:
- turn on the ignition;
- engage 1st gear (engaging 2nd gear would cause the alternator to run too slowly to produce good current);
- depress the clutch, push the car until it reaches a good speed;
- quickly press the clutch pedal, as a result of which the engine crankshaft should turn and the engine will start working;
- immediately depress the clutch again and press the accelerator pedal.
Starting the engine by towing has its disadvantages, as it can lead to big troubles due to lack of experience. Therefore, remember that when the engine is not running, the power brakes and steering do not work. Also, take into account the above remark regarding the catalytic converter. Therefore, specific instructions for towing are not given.
(The original source of the publication is on the website: FORDBOOK.RU)