hydrometer ???

northeast puller 1 · Dec 9, 2012

This may be a dumb question but years ago. I could test batteries with my fathers old bulb type hydrometer. If my thinking is correct it was specific gravity but do not remember what the good and bad range was. I have not used it in years and the bulb is most likely dry rotten as it was older then mosses 30 years ago. Well reading some post lately every one said to check batteries with a hydrometer. Well it occurred to me why I gave that up. It was because of no more screw on caps to add distilled water. So is the new hydrometer different or is their secret door on the new stile batteries to pry open or something. Please enlighten me on this. Thanks,

North east Puller

pete black · Dec 9, 2012

Specific gravity corrected for temperature is the way to tell the charge of a given battery cell. 1.290 is the range ideally reached and if one cell reads low then slowly charged till all reads near the same. Todays batteries are for todays society, use it till it gives trouble, then replace.

Janicholson · Dec 9, 2012

If no caps it cannot be used. If two big caps, they are just ganged caps and do come up with a little prying. Do not add water before testing.
If a cell is low on water, (do not put anything but distilled water in it) then charge the battery for at least an hour to assure the mixing of the water with the electrolyte. Then check it with a hydrometer. 1275 and above is pretty good. As Pete Black notes the larger number is really a new battery. Jim

Geo-TH,In · Dec 9, 2012

It should say on the hydrometer. The good oldie even had a therometer to correct specific gravity for temp.

RayP(MI) · Dec 9, 2012

Several batteries I have gotten recently are "maintenance free," and sealed for life. NO caps, either individual or ganged. Only way is to test is by a meter - either a load meter or one of those newfangled electronic jobbies, connected across the terminals.

gene bender · Dec 9, 2012

I still use them on the tractors as they are all 6v lets you know quick if the batt is in good condition. Usually get 7-9 yrs life.

JMS/.MN · Dec 9, 2012

Seems to me the one I have had for years has a color gauge on it, with numerical values as well.

buzzinduzzin · Dec 9, 2012

Get a refractometer , it will also give accurate ethylene glycol freeze level.(better than the ones that float balls)

S2710 · Dec 9, 2012

What I have found on the batteries that I have looked at, is If you peal the tape off of the top of the battery there are caps with a screw driver slot in them and you open them up and check or fill your battery.

Bob

hydrometer ???

northeast puller 1

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pete black

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Janicholson

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Geo-TH,In

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RayP(MI)

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gene bender

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JMS/.MN

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buzzinduzzin

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S2710

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