MAINTENANCE
5700XP 331533 (9--06)
56
Keep all metallic objects off the top of the
batteries, which may cause a short circuit.
Replace any worn or damaged wires.
Check the electrolyte level in each battery cell
before and after charging, and after every 50
hours of operation. Do not charge the batteries
unless the fluid is slightly above the battery plates.
If needed, add just enough distilled water to cover
the plates. Never add acid to the batteries. Do not
overfill. Always keep the battery caps on, except
when adding water or taking hydrometer readings.
Measuring the specific gravity, using a
hydrometer, is a way to determine the charge
level and condition of the batteries. If one or more
of the battery cells test lower than the other
battery cells (0.050 or more), the cell is damaged,
shorted, or is about to fail.
NOTE: Do not take readings immediately after
adding distilled water. If the water and acid are not
thoroughly mixed, the readings may not be
accurate. Check the hydrometer readings against
the following chart to determine the remaining
battery charge level:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
at 27
_
C (80
_
F)
BATTERY
CHARGE
1.265
100% Charged
1.223
75% Charged
1.185
50% Charged
1.148
25% Charged
1.110
Discharged
NOTE: If the readings are taken when the battery
electrolyte is any temperature other than 27
_
C
(80
_
F), the reading must be temperature
corrected. Add or subtract to the specific gravity
reading 0.004, 4 points, for each 6
_
C (10
_
F)
above or below 27
_
C (80
_
F).
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