PERIODIC CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE
Page9-2
The following tests should be performed in the intervals
specified:
9-3.1.1 Quarterly (Every 3 Months)
•
Check the lev el of the w ate r (e lect rolyte) within the Lead- Acid
batteries. The plates must be covered. If not, add a small
amount of distilled water.
• Check the voltage of the battery. The battery must have a
chance to “rest” (no charging and no load for a couple of
hours) prior to testing. The following table represents a fully
ch ar ged batte ry :
• Check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion, acid build-
up or loose connections.
9-3.1.2 Semi- Annually (Every 6 Months)
• Check the specific gravity of your Lead-Acid battery(s) with a
H ydrome te r. The re a ding for a fu lly charg ed lead a c id battery
is 1.260 to 1.280.
9-3.1.3 Annually (Every 12 Months)
The tests performed on quarterly and semi-annual basis,
give a relatively good indication of the batter ies’ health.
However, the only way to accurately determine the actual
health of your battery is to perform a Batter y Load Tes t.
• There are two types of Battery Load Tests performed in
the field, Perf o rma nce a nd Se rvice. In orde r t o de te rmine
the actual health of your battery a Performance Load Test
is recommended. The Service Load Test determines how
well your battery performs in the boat and doesn’t take
int o acc ou n t th e batte ry’s original rating, which could
result in misleading results. The Performance Load Test
places an accurate load on the battery and compares the
results to the battery manufacture’s specification. The bat-
tery should be replaced if the results are 80% or less than
the manufacture specifications.
9-3.2 Po wer Cables, Distribution Panels, etc.
• Check all of the con nections from the battery to the DC Distri-
bution Panel to the APS for loose or corroded connections.
• M easure the vo ltage at the battery and at the Processor while
the Clutch or Throttle Servo is driving. There should be no
CAUTION: In many newer batteries, the vent cap is permanently attached, preventing
access to the electrolyte for wa ter level and specific gravity tests. Attem pting to
pry off these caps could result in premature battery failure.
Table 9-1: Fully Charged Battery
Lead Acid Batt e ries Gel Cell or AGM Batteries
12V – 12.6
TO
12.8V 12V – 12.4
TO
12.6V
24V – 25.2
TO
25.6V 24V – 25. 0
TO
25.4V
WARNING: T
HE
B
ATTERY
L
OAD
T
EST
SHOULD
BE
PERFORMED
BY
A
QUALIFIED
M
ARINE
E
LECTRI
-
CIAN
ONLY
.
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