POWER TRAIN 16000 SERVICE/MAINTENANCE MANUAL
7-2
Published 05-03-17, Control # 228-03
Maintenance
Weekly – Check Electrolyte Level
Perform the following checks weekly:
1. Clean the top of the battery before removing the vent
caps. Keep foreign material out. Confirm that the plates
in each cell are completely covered with electrolyte.
2. Use distilled water. Drinking water is satisfactory. Do not
use water with a high mineral content (well, creek,
pond).
3. Never overfill the cells. Overfilling will cause electrolyte
to pump out, and corrosion damage will result.
Immediately clean any spills on painted or metal
surfaces and neutralize the acid with baking soda or
ammonia.
4. Look for heavy deposits of black lead-like mineral on the
bottom of the vent caps. This indicates that active
material is being shed (an indication of overcharging).
An excessive amount of water consumption also
indicates overcharging.
5. Never add sulfuric acid to a cell unless it is known that
acid has spilled out or otherwise been lost—consult the
battery dealer for instructions.
Every 2 Months – Test Batteries
Before testing a battery, determine that the alternator is
putting out current, the current is flowing to the battery, and
the voltage delivered is within acceptable limits.
Hydrometer Test
To perform the hydrometer test, use the following:
1. Make sure that the electrolyte level in each cell is at the
proper height to get reliable readings. Confirm that the
plates in each cell are completely covered with
electrolyte.
2. Do not take readings immediately after water is added-
the solution must be thoroughly mixed by charging.
3. Do not take readings after a battery has been
discharged at a high rate, such as after cranking.
4. When reading a hydrometer, hold the barrel vertical with
the float freely suspended.
5. Draw the electrolyte in and out several times to bring the
float temperature to that of the electrolyte.
6. Take the reading across the bottom of the liquid level.
Disregard curvature of the liquid.
7. Readings must be temperature corrected. Subtract
0.004 from the reading each 6° C (10º F) below 27°C
(80º F). Add 0.004 each 6° C (10º F) above 27°C (80º F).
NOTE: The electrolyte temperature is important. The air
temperature is not important.
8. See Table 7-2
for an explanation of temperature
corrected hydrometer readings.
Table 7-2 Hydrometer Readings
NOTE: For more specific hydrometer test information, see
the instructions provided with the hydrometer.
Open-Circuit Voltage Test
A sensitive voltmeter (Figure 7-1) can determine a battery’s
state-of-charge as shown in Table 7-3
.
The open circuit test is not as reliable in determining a
battery’s condition as the hydrometer test. This test is
acceptable for stored batteries, but not ones in use.
Do not perform this test on batteries being charged or deliv-
ering power. Charging causes an increase in voltage which
may persist for an extended period.
Hydrometer Reading —
Specific Gravity
% Charge
1.260 – 1.280 100%
1.230 – 1.250 75%
1.200 – 1.220 50%
1.170 – 1.190 25%
1.140 – 1.160 Very little useful capacity
1.110 – 1.130 Discharged
If any two cells show more than 0.050 specific gravity variation,
try to recharge the battery. If the variation persists, replace the
battery.
P1616
FIGURE 7-1
Positive Lead
Negative Lead
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