Sunbeam ALPINE I SERIES: APLINE II SERIES, Workshop Manual, Page: 317 / 413

WSM.124
Section N (Elec. Equip.)
water from being spilled over the top of the
battery.
Distilled water should always be used for
topping-up. In an emergency, however,
drinking water, clean rainwater or melted
snow may be used. The following waters must
not be used: salt water, chlorinated water,
chemically softened water or stagnant water.
Caution.-Never use a naked light when
examining a battery, as the mixture of oxygen
and hydrogen given off by the battery when
on charge, and to a lesser extent when standing
idle, can be dangerously explosive.
If a battery is found to need an excessive amount
of topping-up, the cause should be sought. If an
excessive charge is suspected, check the regu­
lator setting. If one cell in particular is at fault,
examine the container for cracks.
Note.-Never transfer electrolyte from one
cell to another.
4. With the diecast type of connector no corro­
sion difficulties arise. When fitting the con­
nectors to the battery, first smear the inside of
the tapered hole of the connector with
silicone grease and push on the connector
by hand.
Insert the self-tapping screw and tighten with
medium pressure only; fill In the recess around
the screw head with more silicone grease. If
the connectors are fitted dry, and driven home
with too much force, they may be difficult to
remove at a later date.
5. Examine the earth connection to ensure that
it is clean and free from rust or corrosion.
6. Measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte
in each cell in turn, with a hydrometer. The
reading given by each cell should be approxi­
mately the same; if one cell differs appreciably
from the others, an internal fault In the cell is
Indicated. This will probably be confirmed by
the heavy discharge ·test described later.
The appearance of the electrolyte drawn Into
the hydrometer when taking a reading gives a
useful Indication of the state of the plates; If It
2nd
re-issue
Page 3
is very dirty, or contains small particles in
suspension, it is possible that the plates are in
a bad condition.
Check the specific gravity of the electrolyte
(Refer to Fig. I) as an indication of the state of
charge of the battery using a hydrometer.
\
HOLD TUBE
VERTICALLY
DO NOT DRAW
IN TOO MUCH
ELECTROLYTE
Fig.
I.
Taking hydrometer readings. Take readings
at eye level
The specific gravities and
follows:
Climate ordinarily below
Cell fully charged
Cell half charged
Cell fully discharged
Climate ordinarily above
Cell fully charged
Cell half charged
Cell fully discharged
their Indications are as
80
°
F. (26·7
°
C).
1 ·270 - 1 ·290
1-190-1·210
1·110-1-130
80 ° F. (26·7 °
C).
1 ·210 -1 ·230
1-130-1.150
1 ·050 -1 ·070
The specific gravity of electrolyte varies with Its
temperature. The figures quoted above are for an
electrolyte temperature of 60 °
F. (15·6
°
C). If the
electrolyte tempreture Is above 60 ° F. (15·6C.) add
0·002 to the hydrometer reading for each 5
°
F.
(2·8
°
C.) rise to obtain true specific gravity.
Similarly 0·002 must be deducted from the hydro­
meter reading for each S ° F. (2·8
°
C.) below 60 ° F.
(15·6 ° C.).