The engine (chassis) and domestic (house) batteries are located in
a curbside compartment. The slide-out battery trays are secured in
place by a locking mechanism at the front of the trays. To slide the
tray out, lift up on the handle and pull until the tray stops. To secure
the battery tray, push it back in until the tray latches.
The battery tray slides will occasionally need to be lubricated.
When performing maintenance to the batteries, clean the old lubricant
and dirt from the battery tray slide with solvent, brake cleaner or
equivalent. Do not allow any of the cleaning solution or battery acid
by-products to spatter onto the painted surfaces. Damage to the paint
surface will result. Lubricate all moving parts of the battery tray slide
with white lithium grease or Kwikee brand spray lubricant.
NOTE: Driving without the tray secured can result in
damages.
CAUTION: Many types of petroleum based products or
battery by-products can damage the paint finish. Do not
allow these types of chemicals to get on the paint finish. If
the chemicals do get on the painted surfaces, immediately
rinse the surface using plenty of water with a mild auto-
motive detergent.
The only way to test a battery’s electrolyte solution is with a hydrometer.
Many styles are available, from types with cylinder graduation (shown here)
to types with floating balls. Hydrometers can be purchased from most auto
parts stores. The hydrometer tests the battery’s electrolyte solution which is
measured in specific gravity. Distilled water has a specific assigned gravity
of 1,000. The hydrometer is calibrated to this mark. Pure sulfuric acid has a
specific gravity reading of 1,840. The acid is 1.84 times heavier than water.
The electrolyte solution is about 64% water to 36% acid (fully charged bat-
tery). Hydrometer’s with cylinder graduation are graphed and the exact state
of specific gravity can be determined.
Temperature and recent battery activity (charging or discharging) affect
the hydrometer readings. It is best to check the battery when it has been “at
rest” for at least three hours, although readings taken at other times will give
a “ball park” figure. When using the hydrometer, draw the electrolyte solu-
tion up into the tube. Allow the hydrometer to attain the same temperature as
the electrolyte solution. Note the reading for that cell. Complete the same test
for the rest of the cells on that battery bank.
The hydrometer is calibrated at 80° F. Temperature affects the hydrometer
readings. The higher the electrolyte temperature, the higher the specific grav-
ity reading. The lower the temperature, the lower the specific gravity reading
will be. Add or subtract four points for each 10° variance from the 80° F
Electrical Systems - House
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WINDSOR 8•215
Testing the Battery
Hydrometer
(Cylinder
Type)
Battery Tray
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