Car battery experts??

[dickturpin]

So I recently took delivery of a nice new car battery for the family cage...but upon inspection found it had leaked through the vent during delivery. The vendor is replacing it foc but I can't help but think it is too good to chuck.
Not knowing how much acid is lost and from how many cells, can I test it anyhow??..or do I put t on the car and see what happens?
Seems so wrong to simply bin it.....what would you do?

[celticbiker]

I'm assuming it's a sealed one or has it got screws on the top?

[dickturpin]

Yes, it's sealed.

[Skippernick]

Has it not got the little green ball window thing?

[Skippernick]

Just check the voltage and see if it drops over period of time.

[YamFazFan]

Weigh them both? (assuming the replacement is identical).

I'm guessing the electrolyte would be a couple of kg maybe?.

[dickturpin]

It does have the little green ball floaty thing but that floats on one cell...other cells could be low on fluid. It is showing green at the moment.
Looking at the state of the delivery box I would guess the loss to be an egg cup full or maybe a bit more

[Trebus]

I think I’d use it but I don’t throw anything away 😀😀

[celticbiker]

If'n you've only lost an egg cup full it'll be fine.

[dickturpin]

Its a bit of a git to replace, not a two minute job, awkward location..but I think I'll try it and see what happens.
Its been on charge on the bench this evening and reached capacity with still showing green ball float.


I guess the worst is I will have to change it again for the replacement being sent. I will monitor voltage in-situ.

[BBROWN1664]

Depending on the colour of the case you can sometimes see through (with a bright torch on the opposite side) to see the fluid levels.

Alternatively, whilst they say they are sealed............

[dickturpin]

Depending on the colour of the case you can sometimes see through (with a bright torch on the opposite side) to see the fluid levels.

Alternatively, whilst they say they are sealed............

I did have a half hearted attempt to open it but thought it was putting up a fight so I backed off

[dickturpin]

Both batteries on the bench showing identical charge at the moment and both weigh the same

[stet]

To test the battery current capacity you can get a battery load tester from eBay for around £15:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Unbranded-Vehicle-Battery-Testers/179470/bn_38678444