Cleaning The Battery; Testing The Battery - Hobart 140GT17P Operation And Maintenance Manual With Illustrated Parts List

E. Cleaning the Battery
If the top of the battery is dirty, it may be cleaned with a brush dipped in ammonia or soda solution.
Disconnect lead connectors from battery posts. Vent plugs should be tightened to prevent cleaning so-
lution from entering cells. Clean battery as required, using a brush and cleaning solution. Flush off the
battery with clean water. Brighten terminal and post surfaces with steel wool, a wire brush, or special
terminal cleaning tool. Make certain that vent holes in filler caps are not clogged.
F. Testing the Battery
Tests are made on a battery to determine the state of charge and also the condition. The results of
these tests show that the battery is good, needs recharging, or must be replaced. If a battery has
failed, is low in charge, or requires water frequently, the reason for the condition must be found and
corrected. Visually inspect the battery before testing, to determine if it has been damaged. Moisture
on the outside of the case, or low fluid level in one or more cells indicates possible battery damage
(cracked case, etc.). The battery may be tested by two methods. A Battery-Starter Tester may be
used to determine the battery's ability to deliver current. A battery hydrometer test determines the
charge condition of the battery.
(1) Test with Battery-Starter Tester
Connect battery to tester according to instructions furnished with the instrument. Test battery ac-
cording to tester instructions. If the test determines that battery has acceptable voltage, this indi-
cates that battery has output capacity and will accept a charge, if required.
(2) Test with Hydrometer
(a) Remove filler caps and check the specific gravity of electrolyte in each cell. If specific gravity is
1.230 or below, add water if necessary and charge the battery until it is fully charged. A fully
charged battery will give a specific gravity reading of from 1.265 to 1.285. The specific gravity of a
fully discharged battery may range from 1.140 down to 1.120.
NOTE: The battery is fully charged when all cells are gassing freely, and specific gravity ceases to rise
for three successive readings taken at hourly intervals.
(b) If the Battery-Starter Test indicated that battery voltage was below the acceptable voltage
value, test each cell with the hydrometer. If specific gravity readings between any two cells is 50
points (0.050) or more, the battery isn't satisfactory for service and should be replaced.
September 30/89 Revised
OM-2029
2-1
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