Testing SG battery acid with Refractometer

solarman216 · 10-12-2019, 00:55

As most of you know, I am off grid so have big traction batteries, biggest problem I have had for a long time is/was getting proper readings with hydrometers, I have tried many different types but getting consistent readings was always a real pain, so two days ago received a Refractometer to do the job and it is brilliant, no need to worry about temperature and doing calculations, this does it all and so easy, my job maintaining my power supply has been made so much easier, Oh and it does antifreeze as well as Addblue, Rick

jims-terrano · 10-12-2019, 08:26

Sounds like a great little gadget does that.

I’m a bit worried about the adblue subject. Apparently my van counts down the miles and then displays on the dash when to top up and by how much. Shouldn’t be over filled and shouldn’t be just topped up like you would with oil. If the warning is ignored after so long the engine will not start. There’s another reason why our trucks are so great.

Banshee · 10-12-2019, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by jims-terrano

Sounds like a great little gadget does that.

I’m a bit worried about the adblue subject. Apparently my van counts down the miles and then displays on the dash when to top up and by how much. Shouldn’t be over filled and shouldn’t be just topped up like you would with oil. If the warning is ignored after so long the engine will not start. There’s another reason why our trucks are so great.

I've seen countless C Classes broken down in the hard shoulder with people topping up AdBlue

jims-terrano · 10-12-2019, 13:37

Lucky escape of having a c class then

I’m guessing it’s a case of using common sense with adblue stuff, either that or just in the tank

macabethiel · 10-12-2019, 13:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee

I've seen countless C Classes broken down in the hard shoulder with people topping up AdBlue

Its even worse on early MB cars such as ML & C class when AD Blue first appeared as if you fill it up yourself it still will not start as the MB Star Machine (Diagnostic) has to be connected to the vehicle to tell it the AD Blue tank is full again!

There was a move to have the software updated so owners could top them up themselves as per the later models. When the owner exceeds the Add Blue top up warnings they eventually have the situation where the engine cannot be re-started - it does not cut the engine off during a journey whilst the engine is still running for safety reasons.

panelbeater · 11-12-2019, 13:09

never delt with addblue but if it stops something starting surley its down to the owners to see its correct like air fuel oil etc.

solarman216 · 11-12-2019, 20:16

I have not had anything to do with Blue either, according to the display on my Refractometer it is between 30 and 35% I must check on the cost of this stuff but sounds like an expensive option to me at those dilution rates, Rick

10-12-2019, 00:55	#1
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,319	Testing SG battery acid with Refractometer As most of you know, I am off grid so have big traction batteries, biggest problem I have had for a long time is/was getting proper readings with hydrometers, I have tried many different types but getting consistent readings was always a real pain, so two days ago received a Refractometer to do the job and it is brilliant, no need to worry about temperature and doing calculations, this does it all and so easy, my job maintaining my power supply has been made so much easier, Oh and it does antifreeze as well as Addblue, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

11-12-2019, 20:16	#7
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,319	I have not had anything to do with Blue either, according to the display on my Refractometer it is between 30 and 35% I must check on the cost of this stuff but sounds like an expensive option to me at those dilution rates, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

10-12-2019, 08:26	#2
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Sounds like a great little gadget does that. I’m a bit worried about the adblue subject. Apparently my van counts down the miles and then displays on the dash when to top up and by how much. Shouldn’t be over filled and shouldn’t be just topped up like you would with oil. If the warning is ignored after so long the engine will not start. There’s another reason why our trucks are so great.

10-12-2019, 13:37	#4
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Lucky escape of having a c class then I’m guessing it’s a case of using common sense with adblue stuff, either that or just in the tank

11-12-2019, 13:09	#6
panelbeater Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: clacton on sea essex Vehicle: nissan terrano 2 2.7 tdi Posts: 1,625	never delt with addblue but if it stops something starting surley its down to the owners to see its correct like air fuel oil etc.