Checking The Condition Of The Battery; Taking Hydrometer Readings - Triumph SPEED TWIN 1945 Workshop Instruction Manual

Battery Maintenance i
m o r e drains through into the cell:. T h i i w i l l happen when the efectrolyte level
reaches the b o t t o m o f the central tube and prevents further escape of air displaced
b y t h e topping up water. By lifting t h e tube slightly, the small amount of water i n
t h e flange w i l l drain i n t o t h e cell and t h e electrolyte level w i l l then be correct.
C h e c k i n g t h e C o n d i t i o n o f t h e B a t t e r y
Occasionally check the condition o f the battery by taking measurements of the
specific gravity of the electrolyre i n each of the cells. A small volume hydrometer
i s
required f o r this purpose-this instrument resembles a syringe containing a
graduated float which ind~cates the specific gravity of the acid i n t h e cell from which
t h e sample has been taken.
DO NOT M U W
I N
XX)
MKH
ELECTROLYTE
- - -
Fig.
72. T A K I N G HYDROMETER READINGS
Measurements should not be taken immediately after the cells have been "topped-up"
as t h e electrolyte w i l l n o t be thoroughly mixed.
The space between each separator is n o t wide enough t o permit the nozzle of
a
hydrometer t o be inserted. Before taking a sample, tilt the battery t o bring sufficient
electrolyte above the separators.
Specific gravity readings and their indications are as follows:-
...
1.280-1.300
...
.,.
... ...
Cell fully charged.
A b o u t 1.210
. . . . . . ... ...
...
Celi about half discharged.
...
Below 1.1 50
. . . . . .
... ...
Cell fully discharged.
The reading for each of the cells should be approximately the same.
I f one cell gives a value very different f r o m the rest,
it
may be that acid has spilled
or
has leaked from that particular cell, o r there may be a short circuit between the
plater. I n this case t h e battery should be examined by a Lucas Service Depot o r
Agent.
178