READING THE AMMETER

1. Maintain the electrolyte level to the base of each

vent well.

2. The make-up water must be one of the following (in

order of preference):

Distilled water.

Odorless, tasteless drinking water.

Iron free water.

Any available water.

WARNING

Never add acid or electrolyte.

READING THE AMMETER

MEASURING SPECIFIC GRAVITY

1. After starting the engine, the ammeter indicator

4. If there is more than .050 (50 gravity points) varia-

should register to the right of zero, but should never

tion between the highest and lowest reading, the

be "pegged".

battery should be replaced.

2. After the engine has been running, the indicator

5. Adjust the readings to 80 (27 ).

should be just to the right of zero.

a. For every 10F(5.5C the electrolyte

)

If the indicator either "pegs" to the right, or remains to

tempera-

the left of zero with an increases of engine speed, have the

ture is above 80 (27 ), add .004 (4 gravity

electrical charging system checked.

points) to the specific gravity reading.

The alternator charging rate maintains the battery's elec-

Example: Electrolyte temperature = 100 ; 38

trolyte specific gravity reading, and the battery's perform-

Corrected temperature = 80 ; 27

ance, An undercharge rate cannot maintain a desired 1.250

Difference: = 20 ; 11

specific gravity reading. An overcharge rate will boil the

Increments: 10; 5.5

water from the electrolyte solution. A proper charging rate

20 10 = 2 ; 11 + 5.5 = 2

should require no more than one ounce (30 cc) of water per

2 x 4 gravity points = 8 gravity points

cell per week-to maintain a fully charged battery.

Add 8 gravity points to your hydrometer reading to ob-

tain the adjusted reading at 100 . If the uncorrected

CLEANING BATTERY

hydrometer is 1.240 the corrected reading would be:

1.240 + 8, or 1.248

1. Mix a weak solution of baking soda and water.

Apply the solution with a bristle brush.

b. For every 10F(5.5 ) the electrolyte

temperature is below 80 (27 ),

subtract .004 (4

gravity points) from the specific gravity

reading.

Example: Electrolyte Temperature = 10 ; -13

Corrected temperature = 80 ; 27

Difference = 70 ; 40

Increments: 10; 5.5

70 10= 7; 40 5.5 = 7

7 x 4 gravity points = 28 gravity points

If the uncorrected hydrometer reading is 1.210 the cor-

rected reading would be 1.210- 28 = 1.182

The corrected reading is of most importance during cold

weather when the hydrometer reading is always corrected

to a lower specific gravity reading. A low reading signifies

the battery has less available power to crank the engine

CLEANING BATTERY TERMINALS

and that booster batteries may be required.

2. Thoroughly rinse the battery and battery tray with

ADDING MAKE-UP WATER

clean water.

Check the electrolyte level of each cell and the general

3. Apply grease to the battery cable clamps and termi-

condition of the battery.

nals and to all threads.