The Ford Barn

Tomy Turbos · 12-11-2015, 08:18 PM

A hydrometer cannot tell you the current state of charge. It can give an indication of a battery's ability to take and hold a charge, based on the specific gravity of the electrolyte. It is not and cannot be an exhaustive test of a battery's health.

Assuming that a battery's electrolyte levels are up to snuff and that it's gravity is within spec, one still needs to use a 'toaster' or some other means of load-testing to determine its condition. Believe it or not, the Date Stamp is the first clue.

They don't make batteries like they used to... They also don't make Battery Testers like they used to.

Depending on the source, if a Battery has a 36 month warranty and you're past 24 months, start counting the days 'cause you're going to need one.

Best practice of course is to put in a disconnect if the car (battery) is to be out of service for more than a few weeks. This is the only way to hedge your bet.

12-11-2015, 08:18 PM	#1
Tomy Turbos Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 52	Re: Generator/Ammeter Question A hydrometer cannot tell you the current state of charge. It can give an indication of a battery's ability to take and hold a charge, based on the specific gravity of the electrolyte. It is not and cannot be an exhaustive test of a battery's health. Assuming that a battery's electrolyte levels are up to snuff and that it's gravity is within spec, one still needs to use a 'toaster' or some other means of load-testing to determine its condition. Believe it or not, the Date Stamp is the first clue. They don't make batteries like they used to... They also don't make Battery Testers like they used to. Depending on the source, if a Battery has a 36 month warranty and you're past 24 months, start counting the days 'cause you're going to need one. Best practice of course is to put in a disconnect if the car (battery) is to be out of service for more than a few weeks. This is the only way to hedge your bet. __________________ There are only two kinds of cars: Those that need fixed and those which are going to.