14
Important things to remember:
1. Do not expose the plates in the batteries to the air. Keep the Fluid Caps on the batteries at ALL times.
2. Do not fill the water to the top of the cell tube. This will cause the acid to flow outside of the battery,
causing it corrode the terminals, leading to a failure of the battery.
3. Do not use water with a high mineral content. Use distilled or demonized water only.
CAUTION:
The electrolyte is a solution of acid and water so skin contact should be avoided.
Step by step watering procedure:
1. Open the vent caps and look inside the filling wells.
2. Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the plates.
3. If necessary add just enough water to cover the plates.
4. Put batteries on a complete charge before adding water (refer to the Charging section).
5. Once charging is completed, open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells.
6. Add water until the electrolyte level is 1/8" below the bottom of the fill well.
7. A piece of rubber can be used safely as a dipstick to help determine this level.
8. Clean, replace, and tighten all vent caps.
WARNING!
Never add acid into the battery.
6) TESTING
Visual inspection alone is not sufficient to determine the overall health of the battery. Both open-circuit
voltage and specific gravity readings can give a good indication of the battery's charge level, life span, and
health. Routine voltage and gravity checks will not only show the state of charge but also help spot signs of
improper care, such as undercharging and over-watering, and possibly even locate a bad or weak battery.
The following steps outline how to properly perform routine voltage and specific gravity testing on batteries.
I. Specific Gravity Test
(Flooded batteries only)
1. Do not add water.
2. Fill and drain the hydrometer 2 to 4 times before pulling out a sample.
3. There should be enough sample electrolyte in the hydrometer to completely support the float.
4. Take a reading, record, and return the electrolyte back to the cell.
5. To check another cell, repeat the 3 steps above.
6. Check all cells in the battery.
7. Replace the vent caps and wipe off any electrolyte that might have been spilled.
8. Correct the readings to 80
o
F: Add .004 to readings for every 10
o
above 80o F, Subtract .004 for every
10
o
below 80
o
F.
9. Compare the readings.
10. Check the state of charge using Table 1.
Summary of Contents for Bubble Car
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