Operating instructions

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Preparing a New Battery for Service
ENGINE ELECTRICAL
Battery Service
To assure maximum service life and performance from a battery, it must have proper initial servicing. To service
a new battery, the following steps must be taken. NOTE: Do not service the battery unless it will be put into regular
service within 30 days.
1 . Remove vent plug from vent fitting.
2. Fill battery with electrolyte to the upper level marks on the case.
3. Set battery aside and allow it to cool and stabilize for 30 minutes.
4. Add electrolyte to bring the level back to the upper level mark on the case. NOTE: This is the last time that
electrolyte should be added. If the level becomes low after this point, add only distilled water.
5. Charge battery at
1/10 of its amp/hour rating.
Example: 1 /1 0 of 9 amp battery = .9 amps, 1/10 of 14 amp battery = 1.4 amps, 1/10 of 18 amp battery = 1.8
amps (recommended charging rates).
6. Check specific gravity of each
cell with a hydrometer to assure each has a reading of 1.270 or hi gher.
Battery Testing
There are three easy tests which can determine
battery condition. Whenever the
complaint is related
to either the starting or charging systems, the battery
should be checked first.
Lead-acid batteries should be kept at or as near full
charge as possible. If the battery is stored or used in
a partially charged condition, hard crystal sulfation will
form on the plates, reducing their efficiency and
possibly ruining the battery.
Open Circuit Voltage Test (OCV)
Battery voltage should be checked with a digital
multitester. Readings of 12.6 or less require further
battery testing and charging.
Specific Gravity Test
A
tool such as the battery hydrometer (PN 2870836)
can be used to measure
electrolyte strength or
specific gravity. As the battery goes through the
charge/discharge cycle, the electrolyte goes from a
heavy, more acidic state at full charge to a light, more
water state when discharged. The hydrometer can
measure state of charge and differences between
cells in a multi-cell battery. Readings of 1.270 or
greater should be observed in a fully charged battery.
Differences of more than .025 between the lowest and
highest cell readings indicate a need to replace the
battery
. .
4.29
State Of Conventional
Yumacron
Charge
Lead-acid
Type
100% Charged
12.60V 12.70V
75% Charged 12.40V
12.50V
50% Charged
,
12.10V 12.20V
25% Charged 11.90V 12.0V
0% Charged Less Than Less Than
11.80V 11 .9V
State Of Conventional Yumacron
Charge* Lead-acid
Type
1
00% Charged 1.265 1.275
75% Charged
1.210 1.225
50% Charged 1.160 1.175
25% Charged
1.120 1.135
0% Charged Less Than Less Than
1 .1 00 1. 115
*at 80° F
NOTE: Subtract .01 from the specific gravity for
electrolyte at 40° F and compare these values to the
chart.
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