[Bungee]

I just got a battery load tester and a hydrometer. I know basically HOW to use it, but I'm curious as to what some of the readings actually MEAN...maybe others might benefit from this as well

Can anyone explain:

1. WHAT exactly does the hydrometer gauge? Is it ratio of acid to water? Why is a low (<1.226) reading bad?

2. WHY, when taking a hydrometer reading, does a cell-to-cell difference of >0.050 mean one cell (and thus the entire battery?) is bad?

3. When doing a load test, WHY does the needle returning QUICKLY to around 12 Volts mean the battery is BAD...but when the needle returns to 12 Volts SLOWLY, the battery may be GOOD, but discharged?

4. WHAT is the best battery test procedure? Load test followed by hydrometer test? Visa versa? Or maybe someting else altogether?

Thanks to those smarter than I

[Bungee]

I just got a battery load tester and a hydrometer. I know basically HOW to use it, but I'm curious as to what some of the readings actually MEAN...maybe others might benefit from this as well

Can anyone explain:

1. WHAT exactly does the hydrometer gauge? Is it ratio of acid to water? Why is a low (<1.226) reading bad?

2. WHY, when taking a hydrometer reading, does a cell-to-cell difference of >0.050 mean one cell (and thus the entire battery?) is bad?

3. When doing a load test, WHY does the needle returning QUICKLY to around 12 Volts mean the battery is BAD...but when the needle returns to 12 Volts SLOWLY, the battery may be GOOD, but discharged?

4. WHAT is the best battery test procedure? Load test followed by hydrometer test? Visa versa? Or maybe someting else altogether?

Thanks to those smarter than I

[68CONV400]

1) A hydrometer tests the DENSITY of the acid/water mix in the battery.A low density reading is bad because there is less "conductor" for the electricity to pass through.

2) A difference doesn't NECESSARILY mean the entire battery is bad.It does however mean that the cell needs the elctrolyte replaced,re-charged,then re-checked.UNLESS THE ELECTRODES IN THAT CELL ARE DAMAGED BEYOND THE POINT OF USE.

3)I'm not familiar with the load tester you are talking about.

4)I would:
Check the electolyte in the battery first and re-fill/re-place as needed (checking the condition of the electrodes at the same time(plates))

Re-charge.

Load test.



Hope this helps,

Charlie

[68CONV400]

PS- If there is a scale type of build-up on the electrodes (plates) in the battery,causing the battery to not re-tain/take a charge.If the electrolyte is clean,by re-charging for a couple of days,it usually "burns" it off.

DO NOT RE-CHARGE WITH THE CAPS ON OR WHILE SMOKING


Hope this helps,

Charlie