To ensure the durability and performance of the battery, periodically perform the following work:
Keep the battery and connecting wires clean. The top of the battery must always be kept dry to prevent leakage currents in the battery cells leading to discharge.
The battery must always be filled with electrolyte at the mark on the bottom of the case. To restore the electrolyte level, add only distilled water.
In the cold season, do not leave the battery in a discharged state, because. this may cause the electrolyte to freeze. The electrolyte in a discharged battery freezes at a higher temperature than in a charged one.
Battery check
Electrolyte level
The battery is filled with an electrolyte mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water. Due to the evaporation of water, it is periodically necessary to check the electrolyte level and, if necessary, add distilled water to the battery. When topping up, unscrew the plugs of the battery compartments and fill in the marks with distilled water.
Electrolyte density
A densimeter is required to check the density of the electrolyte. Unscrew the plug and lower the tip of the densimeter into the compartment (see fig. 264). Suck the electrolyte into the densimeter with a rubber bulb until the float rises, read the density readings on the float. Density 1.28 corresponds to the density of a charged battery, density 1.12 - the battery is completely discharged. Intermediate density values characterize the degree of contamination of the battery.
Pic. 264. Checking the density of the electrolyte in the battery.
1 - densimeter,
2 - electrolyte level mark.
Battery charge
In a very discharged battery, add distilled water after charging. When charging, the density of the electrolyte increases and the battery may "boil". The initial electrolyte charge current should not exceed 10% of the capacity (5.5 A or 6.5 A). During the charging process, the current automatically decreases. The battery is fully charged if the density of the electrolyte does not change during two hours of charging.
When charging, the plugs must be turned out to facilitate the passage of oxygen and hydrogen released during the charging process and the detonating gas formed from their mixture. With an intensive charge, splashing of the electrolyte is possible, therefore, safety measures must be observed. Never bring an open flame near the openings in the battery.
When used to charge a conventional charger, the wires from the battery can not be disconnected. When using a charger with a fast charging process, the wires must be disconnected from the battery to avoid damage to the diodes in the alternator, electronic devices, radio, etc.
Removal and installation
The battery is mounted on a bracket in the engine compartment on the left side. Before removing the battery, disconnect the wires, always disconnect the negative wire first. A socket wrench with an extension is required to loosen the battery fastening nuts.
When installing the battery, clean and lubricate the terminals. Install and secure the positive wire.
Starting the engine with a discharged battery
The easiest way is to use heavy gauge wires to connect to another vehicle's battery. Copper wires are expensive, aluminum wires are cheaper, but get very hot, which can damage the insulation, and you can burn your fingers when removing the wires. First, the positive terminals of the batteries are connected with a wire, and then the negative terminals are connected. On the second car, start the engine and increase the speed to ensure the operation of the generator.
Other well-known methods of starting the engine with a dead battery are towing with a second car or accelerating the car with the effort of several people.