Monaco 2002 Diplomat Service Manual page 226

Electrical Systems - House
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8 • 2 2 6
Accelerated erosion of the lower portions of the plates occur from higher
than normal acid content due to water loss. Only the water evaporates, not
the acid. The battery also has a higher internal resistance when low on
water. Add only distilled water. Fill each cell to the bottom of the vent
well when the battery is warm. Filling a very cold battery with water to the
bottom of the vent well will cause overspill when the battery warms up
and the plates expand. A Battery Formula For Failure: the battery has a
higher internal resistance when low on water, therefore: high resistance =
more heat = shorter battery life!
3. Sulfation:
When a battery remains discharged for too long the accumulated lead sul-
fate in the plate material solidifies and cannot reenter the electrolyte.
When a battery is left in a discharged state the lead sulphate will crystal-
ize. Charging the battery does not move the crystallized lead sulphate off
the battery plate. The battery is damaged.
4. Overheating:
The chemical reaction inside of the battery is increased when the battery
temperature rises above 125º F. This increases the corrosion of the plates
and reduces the battery life. When overheated, the battery plates tend to
buckle and destroy the structural integrity of the battery.
5. Freezing:
When the electrolyte freezes, ice formed dislodges the active material
from the plates. The battery case may crack and the electrolyte will leak
out when thawed. It is especially important to keep a battery at full charge
in cold weather to prevent freezing. The high specific gravity of a fully
charged battery does not freeze as easily. Never attempt to charge a frozen
battery. Warm it up first.
6. Corrosion:
Corrosion from spilled or splashed electrolyte form deposits that can
conduct electricity and can cause battery drain. Clean off all corrosion,
especially around the battery terminals and on the top of the battery.
Prevent accumulation by coating the terminals and the exposed metal
cable connectors with high temperature grease.
7. Overcharging:
Overcharging rapidly converts water to gas and decreases the electrolyte's
water content as the water evaporates. The electrolyte level drops and
becomes more acid in content. This subjects the plates to a higher
concentration of sulfuric acid and results in early battery failure.
D I P L O M A T