User`s manual

- 9
Step by step watering procedure:
1. Open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.
2. Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the plates.
3. If necessary add just enough water to cover the plates at this time.
4. Put batteries on a complete charge before adding any additional water (refer to the Charging section).
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.
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Never add acid to a battery.
6) 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, age, and health.
Routine voltage and gravity checks will not only show the state of charge but also help spot signs of improper
vehicle, such as undercharging and over-watering, and possibly even locate 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 at this time.
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 it, 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 80
o
F
Subtract .004 for every 10o below 80
o
F.
9. Compare the readings.
10. Check the state of charge using Table 1.
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.