From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Instructions for battery maintenance, including 'topping-up' with distilled water and notes on electrolyte specific gravity.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 139\3\ scan0187 | |
| Date | 24th October 1938 guessed | |
| 2. periodically by removing the vent plug in the centre of each cell lid{A. J. Lidsey} and adding distilled water to each cell until the level of the solution is about half an inch above the tops of the plates (or 3/8" above the tops of the separators). This process is known as "topping-up". It is difficult to lay down a hard and fast rule as to how frequently "topping-up" will be required, because this varies so much according to the use to which the car is put and also the temperature in which it operates. It is suggested that the owner should make constant observations after acquiring the car in order to ascertain how frequently "topping-up" is necessary. A little experience will show how often, with average use, this is necessary. It must be remembered that "topping-up" will be necessary more frequently in hot weather than in cold. On long trips abroad with big mileages each day in hot weather, it must be very much more frequent, and under such conditions it is extremely important that extra attention be given to the battery in this respect. Normally it should never be necessary to add sulphuric acid to the cells, unless it is definitely known that some of the acid has been lost owing to slopping or spilling. The addition of acid to the battery should only be done by an experienced battery man who at the same time will carry out any necessary adjustments to the acid gravity. SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF ELECTROLYTE. Various acid specific gravity figures are given for reference in the following table and they apply to all the types and makes of batteries given on the first page of these instructions. | ||