Ski-Doo FORMULA III, Shop Manual

Page: 235 / 356

Section 06 ELECTRICAL
Sub-Section 04 (BATTERY)
06-04-3
A hydrometer measures the charge of a battery in
terms of specific gravity of the electrolyte. Most
hydrometers give a true reading at 27°C (80°F).
In order to obtain correct readings, adjust the ini-
tial reading by
adding .004 points to the hydrom-
eter readings for each 5.5°C (10°F) above 27°C
(80°F) and by subtracting .004 point for every
5.5°C (10°F) below 27°C (80°F) .
This chart will be useful to find the correct read-
ing.
EXAMPLE NO. 1 EXAMPLE NO. 2
Temperature below 27°C (80°F) : Temperature above 27°C (80°F) :
Hydrometer Reading : 1.250 Hydrometer Reading : 1.235
Electrolyte temperature :
−
7°C (20°F) Electrolyte temperature : 38°C(100 (100°F)
Subtract .024 Sp. Gr. Add .008 Sp. Gr.
Corrected Sp. Gr. is 1.226 Corrected Sp. Gr. is 1.243
CA UTION : Do not install a partially
charged battery on a snowmobile since
the casing might crack at freezing temperature.
The following chart shows the freezing point of
the electrolyte in relation to the charge of the
battery.
BATTERY STORAGE
Disconnect and remove battery from the vehicle.
Check electrolyte level in each cell, add distilled
water up to upper level line.
CAUTION : Do not overfill.
The battery must always be stored in fully
charged condition. If required, charge until specif-
ic gravity of 1.260 is obtained.
CAUTION : Battery electrolyte tempera-
ture must not exceed 50°C (122°F). The
casing should not feel hot.
Clean battery terminals and cable connections us-
ing a wire brush. Apply a light coat of dielectric
grease (P / N 413 7017 00) or petroleum jelly on
terminals.
Clean battery casing and caps using a solution of
baking soda and water. Do not allow cleaning so-
lution to enter battery, otherwise it will destroy
the electrolyte. Rinse battery with clear water and
dry well using a clean cloth.
Store battery on a wooden shelf in a cool dry
place. Such conditions reduce self-discharging
and keep fluid evaporation to a minimum.
During the storage period, recheck electrolyte lev-
el and specific gravity readings at least every 40
days. As necessary, keep the battery at its upper
level line and near full charge as possible (trickle
charge).
ACTIVATION OF NEW BATTERY
WARNING : Never charge or boost bat-
tery while installed on vehicle.
CAUTION : Prior to charging the battery,
al-ways remove it from the vehicle to pre-
vent electrolyte spillage.
A new battery is factory fresh dry charged. For
storage purposes, it is fitted with a temporary
sealing tube.
Do not remove the sealing tube or loosen battery
caps unless activation is desired.
In case of accidental premature removal of caps
or sealing tube, battery should be given a full
charge.
Perform the following operations anytime a new
battery is to be installed.
ELECTROLYTE
TEMPERATURE
OPERATION TO PERFORM
°C °F
38
32 100
90
add
.008
.004 to the
reading
27 80 correct reading
21
16
10
4
−
1
−
7
−
12
−
18
−
23
−
29
−
34
−
40
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
−
10
−
20
−
30
−
40
substract
.004
.008
.012
.016
.020
.024
.028
.032
.036
.040
.044
.048
from the
reading
Temperature -
Corrected
Specific Gravity
Battery
Charge Freezing Point
of Electrolyte
1.260
1.230
1.200
1.170
1.110 Fully charged
3/4 Charged
1/2 Charged
1/4 Charged
Discharged
−
59°C (
−
74°F)
−
40°C (
−
40°F)
−
27°C (
−
16°F)
−
18°C (0°F)
−
7°C (
+
19°F)
-
-
-
;
-