14
5. Once charging is completed, open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.
6. Add water until the electrolyte level is 1/8" below the bottom of the fill well.
7. A piece of rubber can be used safely as a dipstick to help determine this level.
8. Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps.
WARNING!
Never add acid into the battery.
7) TESTING
Visual inspection alone is not sufficient to determine the overall health of the battery. Both open-circuit
voltage and specific gravity readings can give a good indication of the battery's charge level, life span, and
health. Routine voltage and gravity checks will not only show the state of charge but also help spot signs of
improper care, such as undercharging and over-watering, and possibly even locating a bad or weak battery.
The following steps outline how to properly perform routine voltage and specific gravity testing on batteries.
I. Specific Gravity Test
(Flooded batteries only)
1. Do not add water.
2. Fill and drain the hydrometer 2 to 4 times before pulling out a sample.
3. There should be enough sample electrolyte in the hydrometer to completely support the float.
4. Take a reading, record, and return the electrolyte back to the cell.
5. To check another cell, repeat the 3 steps above.
6. Check all cells in the battery.
7. Replace the vent caps and wipe off any electrolyte that might have been spilled.
8. Correct the readings to 80
o
F: Add .004 to readings for every 10
o
above 80o F, Subtract .004 for every
10
o
below 80
o
F.
9. Compare the readings.
10. Check the state of charge using Table 1 on next page.
The readings should be at or above the factory specification of 1.277 +/- .007. If any specific gravity
readings register low, then follow the steps below.
1. Check and record voltage level(s).
2. Put battery(s) on a complete charge.
3. Take specific gravity readings again.
If any specific gravity readings still register low then follow the steps below.
1. Check voltage level(s).
2. Perform equalization charge. Refer to the Equalizing section for the proper procedure.
3. Take specific gravity readings again.
If any specific gravity reading still registers lower than the factory specification of 1.277+/- .007 then one or
more of the following conditions may exist:
