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G,ENERALlNFORMATlONAND
MAINTENANCE l-17
Fig. 54 On non-maintenance-free batteries,
the fluid level can be checked through the
Fig. 55 If the fluid level is low, add only dis-
1 case on translucent models; the cell caps 1
must be removed on other models
1
1 tilled water through the opening until the
1 level is correct
Checking the Specific Gravity
A hydrometer is required to check the specific
\
# See Figures 54, 55, and 56
gravity on all batteries that are not maintenance-free.
On batteries that are maintenance-free,
the soecific
gravity is checked by observing the built-in hydrome-
ter "eye" on the top of the battery case. Check with
your battery's manufacturer for proper interpretation
of its built-in hvdrometer readinas.
gravity of the battery. It should be between 1.20 and
As stated earlier, the specific gravity of a battery's
electrolyte level can be u
1.26 on the gravity scale. Most auto supply stores
sed as an indication of bat-
tery charge. At least once
carry a variety of inexpensive battery testing hydrom-
? a year, check the specific
eters. These can be used on any non-sealed battery
, , , ,,
.,,
. .
IO rest me specmc gravny in each cell.
The battery testing hydrometer has a squeeze bulb
at one end and a nozzle at the other. Battery electrolyte
the hydrometer until the float is lifted
-he specific gravity is then read by not-
n of the float. If gravity is low in one or
mg tne posrtro
Battery electrolyte contains sulfuric acid. If
you should splash any on your skin or in your
eyes, flush the affected area with plenty of
clear water. If it lands in your eyes, get med-
ical help immediately.
The fluid (sulfuric acid solution) contained in the
battery cells will tell you many things about the con-
dition of the battery. Because the cell plates must be
kept submerged below the fluid level in order to op-
erate, maintaining the fluid level is extremely impor-
tant. And. because the soecific aravitv of the acid is
an indication of electrical charge, testing the fluid can
be an aid in determining if the battery must be re-
placed. A battery in a vehicle with a properly operat-
ing charging system should require little mainte-
nance, but careful, periodic inspection should reveal
problems before they leave you stranded.
Fig. 57 Maintenance is performed with
Fig. 58 The underside of this special bat-
household items and with special tools like
tery tool has a wire brush to clean post ter-
I this post cleaner
I 1
minals
Fig. 56 Check the specific gravity of the bat-
tery's electrolyte with a hydrometer
more cells, the battery should be slowly charged and
Lhecked aqain to see if the aravitv has come
UP.
Gen-
erally, if affer charging, the specific gravity between any
two cells varies more than 50 points (0.50) the battery
should be replaced, as it can no longer produce suffi-
cient voltage to guarantee proper operation.
CABLES
) See Figures 57, 56, 69, 60, and 61
Once a year (or as necessary), the battery termi-
nals and the cable clamps should be cleaned. Loosen
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