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D. Liquid Level
CAUTION: Never add any special battery dopes, solutions or powders.
The electrolyte in each cell should be above the plates at all times to prevent battery failure. Check
the level of the electrolyte every two weeks. When electrolyte level is low, add pure distilled water. Do
not use hydrant water or any water which has been in contact with a metal container. Acid should
never be added except by a skilled batteryman.
NOTE: It is especially important to keep the battery at full charge for cold weather operation. Add
distilled water to the battery in freezing temperatures only when the engine is to operate forseveral
hours, to thoroughly mix the water and the electrolyte, or damage to the battery will result from
the water freezing.
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 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 the tester according to instructions furnished with the instrument. Test battery
according 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.
December 31/91 Revised
OM-2053
2-1
Page 9
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
