Tecumseh HH100 Handbook page 56

Check to determine if the vent holes in the caps
are open.
In normal usage the battery casing may be partially
covered with a white powder. Clean such areas with
a solution of 1 part bicarbonate of soda to 4 parts
water. Use care to prevent solution from entering
battery cells.
If battery terminals show corrosion, remove battery
connections carefully. Do not twist or use unnecessary
force to remove from battery. Brighten battery posts
and connections. Coat battery posts and terminal
connections with petroleum jelly and replace. (Never
hammer on battery posts!)
TESTING THE BATTERY. Voltage Check of Acid-
Type Battery (12 volt).
NOTE: Do not attempt to measure individual cell
voltage by "jabbing" a voltmeter probe through the
battery cover.
*Specific Percentage of
Gravity Charge in Battery
1.140 Discharged
1.170 25% Charged
1.200 50% Charged
1.230 75% Charged
1.260 100% Charged
*This may vary from battery manufacturer 's
specifications.
**These are approximations. Time may vary due to
cell conditions, battery construction, heat, etc.
NOTE: The approximate charging time can be calculated
by dividing the Amp-Hour rate of the battery by the
Amp-Hour charging rate of charger. (For example:
a 55 amp-hour battery on a 5 amp hour charger will
take about 11 hours to charge.) The slower charging
rate, the easier it is on the battery, and the more
thoroughly you will dissolve the sulfate that has collected.
Generally a charge rate of 5-7 amps per hour is
ideal.
1. Using a battery tester voltmeter, hook up the
battery and adjust for 3 times the amp-hour rating
of the battery.
2. After 15 seconds (no longer) read the voltmeter.
If the voltage is over 9.6 volts check the specific
gravity. If reading is below 1.230, charge the
battery.
54
**Time Required to Charge Battery
at 5 Amp Hour Rate
24 Amp 32 Amp 50 Amp
Hours Hours Hours
5 hours 7 hours 10 hours
4 hours 5 hours 8 hours
3 hours 5 hours 4 hours
1 hours 2 hours 3 hours
SPECIFIC GRAVITY CHECK. Use a hydrometer to
determine that there is at least 75% charge in the
battery.
CAUTION: Electrolyte solution contains sulfuric acid.
Handle with care since spilled liquid is very corrosive
to skin and clothing. Use protective eye cover.
1. Remove caps and check water level, if below
battery plates, add water and recheck battery
after the water has mixed with the electrolyte
after about 4 hours use with engine charge.
2. Put the hydrometer into battery and draw electrolyte
into barrel.
3. Make sure the hydrometer float rides freely in
electrolyte. Clean inside of barrel with soap and
water if float persistently sticks to side of barrel.
Clean and dry before use.
4. Make certain readings on float are at eye level.
5. Adjust reading according to temperature of
electrolyte. Add .004 for each 10
80°F (26°C). or subtract .004 for each 10
below 80°F (26°C).
If there is a difference of more than .05 volts between
the highest and lowest cells, replace the battery.
If there is less than .05 volts between the highest
and lowest cells, charge the battery per the chart.
If battery is above 9.6 volts the battery is o.k.
If battery reads less than 9.6 volts after charge, the
battery is ready to be replaced.
Use caution in reconnecting the battery cables to
the battery. An accidental reversal of polarity can
cause damage to the regulator-rectifier.
o (12 o C) above
o (12 o C)