POWER TRAIN 2250 SERVICE/MAINTENANCE MANUAL
7-2
Published 07-19-16, Control # 249-01
Multiple-Battery System
In a multiple-battery system, the batteries are connected
either in series or in parallel. Always refer to your wiring
diagram for the correct connection.
NOTE: Installing the batteries with reversed electrical
connections will damage the batteries and also the
crane’s electrical system, the voltage regulator,
and/or the alternator.
Maintenance
Weekly—Checking the Electrolyte Level
1. Clean the top of the battery before removing the vent
caps. Take care to not allow dirt to enter the cells.
2. Use distilled water for replenishing the battery. Drinking
water is satisfactory, but do not use water with a high
mineral content (such as well, creek, or pond water).
3. Never overfill the cells. Overfilling will cause the
electrolyte to pump out, and corrosion damage will
result.
Immediately clean and neutralize any acid spills on
painted or metal surfaces with sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) or ammonia.
4. Look for heavy deposits of a black, lead-like mineral on
the bottom of the vent caps. This indicates that an active
material is being shed (a result of overcharging).
An excessive amount of water consumption also
indicates overcharging.
5. Sulfuric acid must never be added to a cell unless it is
known that acid has been spilled out or otherwise lost—
consult your battery dealer for instructions.
Every 2 Months—Testing the Batteries
NOTE: Before testing a battery, determine that the
alternator is putting out current, that the current is
flowing to the battery, and that the voltage delivered
is within acceptable limits.
Hydrometer Test
1. The electrolyte level in each cell must be at its proper
height to get reliable readings.
2. Readings should not be taken immediately after water is
added. The solution must be thoroughly mixed by
charging.
3. Readings should not be taken after a battery has been
discharged at a high rate, such as from 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 the curvature of the liquid.
7. Readings must be temperature-corrected. Subtract
0.004 from the reading for each 10° below 80°F. Add
0.004 for each 10° above 80°F.
NOTE: It is the electrolyte temperature that is important,
not the air temperature.
8. See Table 7-2
for the following.
Table 7-2. Hydrometer Readings
Temperature-corrected hydrometer readings may be
interpreted as follows:
If any two cells show more than 50 points (0.050 specific
gravity) variation, try to recharge the battery. If the variation
persists, the battery should be replaced.
For more specific hydrometer test information, see the
instructions provided with your hydrometer.
Open Circuit Voltage Test
A voltmeter can be used to determine a battery’s state of
charge. See Table 7-3
for the following.
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.
This test must not be performed on batteries being charged
or delivering power. Charging causes an increase in voltage,
which may persist for an extended period.
Table 7-3. Open Circuit Cell Voltage
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
% Charge Specific Gravity
Approximate
Open Circuit Cell
Voltage
100 1.260 2.10
75 1.230 2.07
50 1.200 2.04
25 1.170 2.01
Discharged 1.110 1.95
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