BOMBARDIER SEA-DOO SPX 5838 1998 Shop Manual page 233

Unload Test
Check charge condition using either a hydrometer
or multimeter.
With a multimeter, voltage readings appear in-
stantly to show the state of charge. Always re-
spect polarity. A fully charge battery will have a
reading of 12.6 Vdc.
A hydrometer measures the charge of a battery in
terms of specific gravity of the electrolyte. A fully
charge battery will have a specific gravity be-
tween 1.265 to 1.280.
Most hydrometers give a true reading at 21°C
(70°F).
A17E0JA
1. Specific gravity 1.265
In order to obtain correct readings, adjust the ini-
tial reading by adding .004 points to the hydrom-
eter readings for each 5.5°C (10°F) above 21°C
(70°F) and by subtracting .004 point for every
5.5°C (10°F) below 21°C (70°F).
This chart will be useful to find the correct read-
ing.
1
Load Test
This is the best test of battery condition under a
starting load. Use a load testing device that has an
adjustable load.
Apply a load of 3 times the ampere-hour rating of
the battery. At 14 seconds into the test, check
battery voltage; if battery is in good condition, it
will have at least 10.5 Vdc.
Battery Storage
Disconnect and remove battery from watercraft
as explained in Removal.
Check electrolyte level in each cell, add distilled
water up to upper level line.
The battery must always be stored in fully charged
condition. If required, charge until specific gravity
of 1.265 is obtained.
Section 08 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subsection 03 (CHARGING SYSTEM)
ELECTROLYTE
TEMPERATURE
°F
°C
38
100
90
32
80
27
21 70
16 60
10 50
4 40
-1 30
EXAMPLE NO. 1
Temperature above 21°C (70°F):
Hydrometer reading: 1.250
Electrolyte temperature: -1°C (30°F)
Subtract .016 Sp. Gr.
Corrected Sp. Gr. is 1.234
-
CAUTION
Do not overfill.
-
CAUTION
Battery electrolyte temperature must not ex-
ceed 50°C (122°F). The casing should not
feel hot.
OPERATION TO
PERFORM
.012 Add
.008 to the
.004 reading
correct reading
.004
Subtract
.008
from the
.012
reading
.016
EXAMPLE NO. 2
Temperature above 21°C (70°F):
Hydrometer reading: 1.235
Electrolyte temperature: 38°C (100°F)
Add .012 Sp. Gr.
Corrected Sp. Gr. is 1.247
08-03-5