Somehow I'm still here. Hi guys, it's me, Randy. The good editors of Jp magazine keep asking me back to talk about electrical things with you all and I'm happy to come back and write a little bit each month. It gives me a good break from tagging along with my brother and that list that he is always talking about.
This month, I want to talk about batteries. Not all of us are lucky enough to be a magazine editor. Some of us still have non-sealed batteries. Sure, dry cell is all the rage, but what if you can't afford one or didn't buy one last time around? Did you know that most wet cell batteries are maintenance items, just like your engine or axles?
This shows a cut-away view...
This shows a cut-away view of one cell in the battery. This is as if you cut the battery in half across the short way. There are six inspection ports in a normal 12-volt automotive battery, and each one needs to be checked.
I was fortunate enough years ago that the old guy in the trailer next door took a shine to me, and I learned all kinds of old tech. There are some free and some cheap ways to keep your battery in top shape that you probably don't do right now, but should. Why not get an extra year or more out of your battery?
This time I am not talking about the cables, or keeping the terminals clean, most of you at least know about that (if not actually do it). I am talking about the inside of the battery. The heart of the battery is where the lead-antimony plate and electrolysis occurs when charged. Over time, the water levels can get low and need to be checked, just like any other fluid in your Jeep.
Check the label on your battery,...
Check the label on your battery, but if the caps come off easily then you can check the water level, and add as needed. If you look down the throat into the cell you will see a line that indicates the water level. Use only distilled water to top it off. Using tap, hose, or even bottled water will introduce minerals that will degrade the plates in the battery or otherwise reduce its effective output.
The hydrometer is an easy...
The hydrometer is an easy way to test the charge of the battery while you are in there. As the battery loses charge, the specific gravity goes down, and less colored discs will float in the fluid.
Be very careful when handling...
Be very careful when handling the acid however, it is dangerous. See what happened to my shirt. Just 30 minutes before these holes showed up I took the other pictures. Wear gloves and glasses when handling the fluid inside the battery. As annoying as the acid on the skin is, even a drop in your eye could cause vision problems, maybe blindness. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cured ham.