Club Car 1996 DS Golf Car Gasoline, Service Manual

Page: 463 / 544

Page 22-11
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22
HYDROMETER TEST
A hydrometer measures the specific gravity. The higher the specific gravity, the higher the state of charge of
the batteries. A fully charged battery should read between 1.250 and 1.280 at 80°F. Never add acid to batter-
ies to obtain a higher specific gravity.
Performing the Hydrometer Test
1. Be sure that the batteries have sufficient water to cover the plates by approximately 1/2 inch and are
fully charged prior to beginning the test. If water must be added, recharge the batteries before perform-
ing the hydrometer test.
2. Remove the vent cap.
3. Using a battery thermometer (CLUB CAR part No.1011767), record the electrolyte temperature of the
No. 2 cell.
4. Squeeze the rubber bulb of the hydrometer and insert into the cell. Slowly release the bulb, drawing
electrolyte up into the glass tube of the hydrometer.
5. When the float rises off the bottom, adjust the electrolyte level so that the float rides free of the bottom
but does not strike the top of the glass tube. Remove the hydrometer from the cell and release the
pressure from the bulb.
6. Hold the hydrometer vertically, insuring that the float is not contacting the sides of the barrel. Hold the
hydrometer at eye level and read the scale at the level of electrolyte (Figure 22-9).
7. Record the reading.
8. Return the electrolyte to the cell from which it was taken. Replace vent cap.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 on all cells.
Hydrometer Calibration
Most hydrometers are calibrated to read correctly at 80°F. The readings obtained as described above must
be corrected for temperature. For each 10°F above 80°F, add .004 to the reading. For each 10°F below 80°F,
subtract .004 from the reading.
FIGURE 22-9
HYDROMETER TEST