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Battery Testing
1. Conduct a hydrometer test of the battery electrolyte.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the area around the cells is
clean before opening the battery caps.
A. Measure the specific gravity of each cell with a
hydrometer. Draw electrolyte in and out of the
hydrometer barrel prior to taking a reading to warm--
up the hydrometer. At the same time take the tem-
perature of the cell.
B. Temperature correct each cell reading:
o
For each 10
F (6
0.004 to the specific gravity reading.
o
o
For each 10
F (6
0.004 from the specific gravity reading.
Example: Cell Temperature
Cell Specific Gravity
ADD (20
Temperature Correction
C. If the difference between the highest and lowest
cell specific gravity is 0.050 or greater or the lowest
cell specific gravity is less than 1.225, charge the bat-
tery. Charge at the recommended rate and time giv-
en in Battery Charging or until specific gravity of all
all cells is 1.225 or greater with the difference in spe-
cific gravity between the highest and lowest cell less
than 0.050. If these charging conditions can not be
met, replace the battery.
2. Perform a high--discharge test with an adjustable
load tester.
This is one of the most reliable means of testing a battery
as it simulates the cold--cranking test. A commercial bat-
tery load tester is required to perform this test.
CAUTION
Follow the battery load tester manufacturer's
instructions when using a load tester.
A. Check the voltage across the battery terminals
prior to testing the battery. If the voltage is less than
12.0 VDC, recharge the battery.
Electrical System
o
o
o
C) above 80
F (27
C), add
o
o
C) below 80
F (27
C), subtract
100
1.245
o
o
above 80
F)
0.008
1.253
B. If the battery has been charged, apply a 150 amp
load for fifteen (15) seconds to remove the surface
charge. Use a battery load tester following the
manufacturer's instructions.
C. Make sure the battery terminals are free of corro-
sion.
D. Measure the temperature of the center cell.
E. Connect a battery load tester to the battery termi-
nals following the manufacturer's instructions.
Connect a digital multimeter to the battery terminals.
F. Apply a test load of 150 amps (one half the crank-
ing performance rating of the battery) for fifteen (15)
seconds.
G. Take a battery voltage reading after fifteen (15)
seconds, then remove the load.
o
F
H. Using the table below, determine the minimum
voltage for the center cell temperature reading.
Minimum
Voltage
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.1
8.9
8.7
8.5
I. If the test voltage is below the minimum voltage
listed in the table, replace the battery. If the test volt-
age is at or above the minimum, return the battery to
service.
Page 6 - - 78
Battery Electrolyte
Temperature
o
o
70
F (and up)
21
C (and up)
o
60
F
o
50
F
o
40
F
o
30
F
o
20
F
o
10
F
--12
o
0
F
--18
Greensmaster 3320/3420
o
16
C
o
10
C
o
4
C
o
--1
C
o
--7
C
o
C
o
C
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