lead peroxide
and spongy lead on both positive and negative plates, and such plates
are generally worthless. If the active materials have not become
loosened from the grids, and the grids have not been disintegrated and
broken, the plates may sometimes be reversed by a long charge at a low
rate in the right direction. If this does not restore the plates,
discard them.

SEPARATOR TROUBLES

Separators form the weakest part of a battery, but at the same time
perform a very important duty. New separators should therefore be
installed whenever a battery is opened for repairs. Repairs should
never be attempted on separators.

1. Not Properly Expanded Before Installation. Separators in stock must
be kept moist. This not only prevents them from becoming dry and
brittle, but keeps them fully expanded. If separators which have been
kept dry in stock are installed in a battery, they do their expanding
inside the battery. This causes them to project beyond the edges of
the plates. The crowding to which they are subjected causes them to
crack. Cracked separators permit "treeing" between plates, with a
consequent short circuit.

2. Not Properly Treated. Separators which have not been given the
proper chemical treatment are likely to develop Acetic acid after they
are in the battery. Acetic acid dissolves the lead grids, the plate
lugs, and the plate connecting straps rapidly. If the plate lugs are
found broken, and crumble easily, acetic acid is very likely present,
especially if an odor like that of vinegar is noticeable. Improperly
treated separators will cause a battery to show low voltage at high
rates of discharge, particularly in cold weather, and will also cause
the negatives to give poor cadmium readings, which may lead the
repairman to conclude that the negatives are defective. The
separators of batteries which have been shipped completely assembled
without electrolyte and with moistened plates and separators will
sometimes have the same effect.

3. Cracked. Separators should be carefully "candled"--placed in front
of a light and looked through. Cracks, resinous streaks, etc., mean
that the separator should not be used, as it will breed trouble.

4. Rotted and Carbonized. This may be the result of old age,
overheating, or high gravity electrolyte.

5. Pores Clogged. Impurities, dirt from impure water, and lead
sulphate fill the pores of a separator and prevent the proper
circulation of the electrolyte. The acti