SECTION 6 - BATTERY SERVICE & TESTING
WARNING
Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover located on battery harness. This prevents metal from touching the positive terminal, which could cause sparks. Cables must be connected to battery terminals in the proper position. RED (Positive) cable must go to the ( + ) terminal. BLACK (Negative) cable must go to the ( - ) terminal.
2.A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265 to 1.280 indicates full charge. A reading of 1.230 to 1.260 indicates the battery should be charged before testing. The chart on the next page shows the charge level as measured by syringe float hydrometer, digital voltmeter and five ball hydrometer.
6.1 BATTERY REMOVAL
1.Remove battery retainer.
2.Slide terminal cover away from positive terminal.
3.Observe and note cable positions on battery
4.Disconnect cables from battery terminals, disconnecting BLACK (Negative) cable first, then disconnect RED (Positive) last. Retain mounting bolts and nuts.
6.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION
1.Position battery into battery compartment.
2.Connect cables to battery terminals. Connect RED (Positive) cable first. Connect BLACK (Negative) cable last.
3.Reinstall battery retainer and positive terminal cover.
WARNING
The electrolyte (acid) produces a highly explosive gas. Keep all sparks, flame and fire away from area when charging battery or when handling electrolyte or battery. Electrolyte (acid) is a highly corrosive liquid. Wear eye protection. Wash affected areas immediately after having eye or skin contact with electrolyte (acid). Battery acid is corrosive. Rinse empty acid containers with water and mutilate before discarding. If acid is spilled on battery, bench, or clothing, etc., Flush with clear water and neutralize with baking soda.
6.3 BATTERY SERVICE
1.Remove battery.
2.Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level surface.
3.Using distilled water, refill cells as required to cover cell plates of which can also be seen through the plastic battery case.
4.With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to battery terminals. RED to positive (+) terminal and BLACK to negative
5.Slow charge battery at 1 amp for 10 hours. An alternative fast charge should be no more than 2.5 amps for four hours.
6.If battery will not accept charge or is partially charged after 10 hours of charging at 1 amp, replace with new battery.
6.4 BATTERY TESTING
There are two types of battery tests: Unloaded and Loaded. The unloaded test is the procedure that will be discussed. It’s the simplest and most commonly used. An unloaded test is made on a battery without discharging current. To perform unloaded testing, check charge condition using either a hydrometer or voltmeter.
1.Using a voltmeter, voltage readings appear instantly to show the state of charge. Remember to hook the positive lead to the battery’s positive terminal, and the negative lead to the negative terminal.
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