Tech Tips

Battery Service
Did you know that more automobile batteries fail in July than in January? Summer heat is actually harder on a battery than winter cold.

“The corrosion factor within a battery is accelerated by extreme temperatures, especially heat,” said Gale Kimbrough, technical service manager with Interstate Batteries. “Battery temperatures under the hood of a car can reach 175 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in extreme heat conditions.”

Helpful guidelines to follow when caring for an automobile battery include:
• When working with a battery, always wear protective eyewear, remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect your arms from an explosion of battery acid.

• Do a visual inspection to see if the battery case is showing signs of extreme bulging, cracking or leaking. If it is, it’s time to replace it.

• Clean up the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass brush. Be sure to brush the corrosion away from you.

• If a battery has removable filler caps, open the caps and check the water level in each cell. Make sure the plates are at least half covered. This prevents sulfation and reduces the possibility of an internal battery explosion. If the water level is low, add distilled water (avoid tap water) until the plates are covered. Avoid overfilling, especially in hot weather, because the heat can cause the solution inside to expand and overflow.

Experts recommend that batteries and accompanying electrical components (i.e. alternators or charging systems) be tested every three to six months.

Technical Tip courtesy of Interstate Batteries.

A/C Service Equipment
In order to remove all the refrigerant from later-model vehicles during the recovery process, a J2788-compliant A/C machine is required. This is due to later model vehicles using less refrigerant, which older A/C machines cannot fully recover, leading to potential problems.

For example, if an older A/C machine leaves behind 30 percent of the refrigerant after a recovery/vacuum/hold and recharge service, and one then performs a full charge, the A/C system becomes overcharged, which will cause performance issues and cause premature component failure.

If one already has a J2788-compliant machine, make sure it is ready for the A/C season by changing the vacuum pump oil, keeping a spare filter on hand, and keeping the tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can cause the refrigerant scale to be out-of-calibration.

Other tips include:
• Use a refrigerant identifier and check virgin cans of refrigerant. A mixture of 134a and R22 can damage J2788 machines.

• Check for sealant leaks. Sealants can kill the A/C machine.

• Use a filtration system to handle vehicles with traces of seal. Keep in mind that you need to open the cleanout drain after every service to measure the amount of oil removed.

There is also a new standard for leak detectors: J2791. Current equipment is certified to catch leaks as small as one-quarter of an ounce. The companies making these detectors are also required to tell you about chemicals that provide a false positive.

In addition, some A/C repair issues cannot be resolved without reprogramming a vehicle’s computer system. On that note, it’s always a good idea to take some refresher courses to get up-to-date with the latest diagnostic techniques for the upcoming season.

Technical Tip provided by Bosch Diagnostics Business Unit.

Technical Tips is a forum for fast lube operators and suppliers to share practical solutions to problems common throughout the industry. National Oil & Lube News is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of submitted tips, and NOLN does not assume liability resulting from their use.