SkyTrak 6036 Service Manual - Manual (Page 224)

Section 10. Electrical System
10-30 Model 6036 S/N 9B0499 and Before
voltages. Besides reducing gassing, the special
chemistry greatly reduces the possibility of over-
charge damage.
The vents require keeping the battery in an upright
position to prevent electrolyte leakage. Tipping the
battery beyond a 45° angle in any direction can
allow a small amount of electrolyte to leak out the
vent hole.
DO NOT exceed this 45° angle when carrying or
installing a battery.
Evidence of electrolyte leakage does not necessar-
ily mean a battery is defective.
The battery has top post terminals. Securely
tighten clean cable clamps to the posts. Grease or
special spray sealers may be applied over the
connections.
b. Visual Inspection of a Battery
Inspect for damage such as a cracked or broken
case or cover that could permit loss of electrolyte.
If obvious physical damage is noted, replace
battery. Handle the battery with care. Determine
cause of damage and correct as needed.
Fig. 10.37 Typical Hydrometer Operation
c. Built-In Hydrometer
A special temperature-compensated hydrometer is
built into the cover of each battery to show at a
glance the battery’s state-of-charge. The hydrome-
ter has a green ball within a cage which is attached
to a clear plastic rod; refer to Fig. 10.37.
It is important when observing the hydrometer that
the battery have a clean top to see the correct
indication. A flashlight may be required in some
poorly lit areas.
IMPORTANT: Always look straight down when
viewing the hydrometer.
The green ball will float at a predetermined specific
gravity of the electrolyte that represents about a 65
percent state-of-charge. When the green ball
floats, it rises within the cage and positions itself
under the rod. Visually a green dot then shows in
the center of the hydrometer; refer to Fig. 10.37.
The built-in hydrometer provides a guide for battery
testing and charging.
In testing, the GREEN DOT means the battery is
charged enough for testing. If the green dot is not
visible and the center of the hydrometer has a
DARK appearance, it means the battery must be
charged before the test procedure is performed.
In charging, the appearance of the green dot means
that the battery is sufficiently charged. Charging
can be stopped to prevent overcharging.
The hydrometer on some batteries may be CLEAR
or light yellow; refer to Fig. 10.37. This means the
fluid level may be below the bottom of the rod and
attached cage. This may have been caused by
excessive or prolonged charging, a broken case,
excessive tipping, or normal battery wear out.
IMPORTANT: Whenever this clear or light yellow
appearance is present when looking straight down
on the hydrometer, always tap the hydrometer
lightly with a small screwdriver to dislodge any gas
bubbles that may be giving a false indication of low
electrolyte level. If the clear or light yellow appear-
ance remains, and if a cranking complaint exists
that is caused by the battery, replace the battery.
Complete hydrometer information is printed on a
label on top of the battery. Refer to this label to
accurately interpret hydrometer appearance.
d. Battery Load Test
1. Remove cable clamps and be sure parts are
clean for a good connection.
GREEN DOT DARK CLEAR
65% OR ABOVE
STATE OF
CHARGE
BELOW 65 %
STATE OF
CHARGE LOW LEVEL
ELECTROLYTE
MA1201