Electrical System
89
Checking battery condition
There are three things to do when testing a battery:
• Visual inspection
• Electrolyte test
• Operational test
1. Visual inspection
• Inspect the battery and battery connections for corrosion. Clean if necessary. Neutralize acid with baking
soda, and protect the terminals once they are cleaned.
NOTE: Battery cable corrosion is the most common type of increased resistance circuit failures.
• Inspect the battery case for signs of damage and missing vent caps. Battery cases that bow out in the
middle indicate that the battery froze or over heated and should be replaced.
2. If the caps can be removed, check the electrolyte
level and fill as needed with distilled water. After ini-
tial charging, do not add electrolyte to the battery.
3. Hydrometer test (non-sealed batteries only)
See Figure 7.36.
3a. Give the battery at least ten minutes for the
electrolyte to stabilize after charging the bat-
tery or adding water to the cells.
3b. Measure the temperature of the electrolyte in
the middle cells of the battery.
3c. Squeeze the bulb on the hydrometer, then
insert the hose into the cell.
3d. Release the bulb, drawing electrolyte into the
hydrometer to the fill line.
IMPORTANT: Hold the hydrometer straight up and
down when drawing up the electro-
lyte. The float needs to float free, not
rubbing against the sides of the
hydrometer.
3e. Write down the specific gravity of each cell.
3f. The readings must be corrected for the tem-
perature of the electrolyte. The hydrometer
manufacture should list the temperature the float is calibrated to. Most are calibrated to 80
o
. To correct
the reading, add 0.004 to the reading for every 10
o
above the calibrated temperature or subtract 0.004
for every 10
o
below the calibrated temperature.
3g. Compare the reading to the chart to the right.
IMPORTANT: To prevent damage to the charging system disconnect the battery to charge it.
NOTE: If battery needs to be charged, let battery sit for ten minutes to stabilize after charging. Apply a load to
the battery for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge. Then re-check the battery.
Figure 7.36
Hydrometer
Always wear eye protection and
acid resistant gloves when work-
ing with electrolyte. Use baking
soda to neutralize any spilled acid.
! CAUTION! CAUTION
Corrected Hydrometer Readings
Specific Gravity Charge Condition
1.265
Fully Charged
1.225
75% Charged
1.190
50% Charged
1.155
25% Charged
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