Aeon 350cc, Service Manual

Page: 185 / 192

ELECTRICAL
7-185
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY OCV - OPEN
CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TEST
Battery voltage should be checked with a digital
Multi-tester. Readings of 12.6 volts or less require further
battery testing and charging. See charts and
Load Test on below.
NOTE: Lead-acid batteries should be kept at or near a
full charge as possible. Electrolyte level should be
kept between the low and full marks. If the battery is
stored or used in a partially charged condition, or
with low electrolyte levels, hard crystal sulfating will
form on the plates, reducing the efficiency and
service life of the battery.
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY SPECIFIC
GRAVITY TEST
A tool such as a Battery Hydrometer 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.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
State of charge Conventional
Lead-acid
Low Maintenance
Type
100%
75% Charged
50% Charged
25% Charged
0% Charged
12.60V
12.40V
12.10V
11.8V
Less than
12.70V
12.50V
12.20V
12.0V
Less than 11.9V
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
State of charge* Conventional
lead-acid
Low Maintenance
Type
100%
75% Charged
50% Charged
25% Charged
0% Charged
1.265
1.210
1.160
1.120
Less than 1.100
1.275
1.225
1.175
1.135
Less than 1.115
* At 28
℃
NOTE: Subtract .01 from the specific gravity reading
at 0
℃ ℃ ℃ ℃ .
CONVENTIONAL BATTERY LOAD TEST
To prevent shock or component damage, remove
spark plug high-tension leads and connect securely
to engine ground before proceeding.
NOTE: This test can only be performed on machines
with electric starters. This test cannot be performed
with an engine or starting system that is not working
properly. A battery may indicate a full charge
condition in the OCV test and the specific gravity
test, but still may not have the storage capacity
necessary to properly function in the electrical
system. For this reason, a battery capacity or load
test should be conducted whenever poor battery
performance is encountered. To perform this test,
hook a multi-tester to the battery in the same manner
as was done in the OCV test. The reading should be
12.6 volts or greater. Engage the starter and observe
the battery voltage while cranking the engine.
Continue the test for
15 seconds. During cranking the observed voltage
should not drop below 9.5 volts. If the beginning
voltage is 12.6 volts or higher and the cranking
voltage drops below 9.5 volts during the test, replace
the battery.