ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
133
NOTE: CCA stands for cold cranking amps. The
rating should be on the battery for aftermarket
batteries. For OEM batteries, contact the manu-
facturer for the CCA rating. Most riding mower
batteries are 200-275 CCA. See Figure 7.34.
1f. Record the voltage while the load was
applied. Compare the voltage to the follow-
ing chart:
1g. If the battery voltage is above what is listed
in the chart, the battery is good.
If the battery voltage is below what is listed
in the chart, replace the battery.
Electrolyte
Temperature
Minimum
Required
Voltage
>70 deg. f. (21deg. c.)
9.6 V
60 deg. f. (16 deg. c.)
9.5 V
50 deg. f. (10 deg. c.)
9.4 V
40 deg. f. (4 deg. c.)
9.3 V
30 deg. f. (-1 deg. c.)
9.1 V
20 deg. f. (-7 deg. c.)
8.9 V
10 deg. f. (-12 deg. c.)
8.7 V
0 deg. f. (-18 deg. c.)
8.5 V
Figure 7.34
OEM batteries do not list the CCA’s
2. Fixed load testing
Fixed load testers (sometimes called toasters) are
inexpensive load testers found at any auto parts store.
See Figure 7.35.
NOTE: Because they have a fixed load value,
they do not give most batteries a reliable and
safe load test. Most fixed load testers have a
load that is more than 50% of the rated CCA of
riding mower batteries. This makes them inap-
propriate to use on smaller pieces of outdoor
power equipment.
2a. Disconnect the battery cables, ground first.
2b. Measure the temperature of the electrolyte
in the middle cells.
2c. Connect a voltmeter and the load tester to
the appropriate terminals.
2d. Apply the test load for 15 seconds. Monitor
the meter on the load tester for the battery’s
performance.
2e. Refer to the manufacturer of the test on how
to read the test meter.
2f. The results of this test are not accurate and
should only be relied on if the battery fails
badly.
Figure 7.35
! CAUTION! CAUTION
It is not recommended to use any
fixed load tester on a battery under
200 CCA. To do so can boil the
water out of the battery and damage the plates in the
battery.
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