P32 - Batteries

CARE OF BATTERIES.

If the acid in the battery evaporates, replace with pure distilled water only. Keep the acid level half an inch below the bottom of the vent tube.

Keep the outside of the battery dry.

Keep the terminals smeared with Vaseline.

The specific gravity of the acid when fully charged should be 1.250, and it should never be allowed to fall below 1.170. If the battery is discharged be sure to recharge it immediately. Even brief delay will cause damage. If the car is not going on a long run sufficient to give continuous recharging, remove battery and have it recharged from the mains. The battery capacity is 66 ampere hours.

A rough and ready test for the condition of the batteries is to switch on all the lamps and note that the filaments remain white after they have been alight for several minutes and also that there is no appreciable drop in light when changing from side lamps to all lamps on.

Over-charging will not harm the battery, but under-charging will quickly ruin it. Always, therefore, go on charging if there is any doubt as to the condition of the battery. The battery should never be discharged below 11 volts, the reading being taken with all lamps on and the dynamo stationary.

NEW BATTERIES.

New batteries are received dry. Fill with a mixture of pure brimstone acid and distilled water of 1.225 specific gravity (N.B.- Always add acid to water and mix in a glass vessel. There is about one part of acid to four of water) The mixture gets very hot if made too quickly. The specific gravity test must be made when cool.

Fill battery to within half an inch of the bottom of the filling tube. Charge immediately for 24 hours at the rate shown on the battery label.

(N B This initial charge must not on any account be interrupted during the first 12 hours, otherwise the battery will be damaged). After charging for 24 hours, the battery voltage should be 15.6 volts, and the specific gravity should be 1.25. If the specific gravity is above 1.25, remove some of the acid and replace with pure distilled water and allow time for mixing before testing; if below 1.25 charge for a few hours longer.

If time permits, empty out the original acid and replace with a fresh mixture of 1.225 and give a further short charge at the normal changing rate until the specific gravity has risen to 1.25 and remains constant.

STORING BATTERIES.

Thoroughly charge the batteries before storing. Cover the terminals with Vaseline. Keep the batteries in a dark place. Recharge if possible about every six weeks. Never leave the batteries in a discharged condition, even for a short time.