SkyTrak 6036 Service Manual - Manual (Page 285)

Section 10. Electrical System
10-23
Model 6036/6036T S/N 9B0500 thru 14833
Relation of Battery Temperature to Minimum Voltage
Temperature (21 °C ) (10 °C) (–1 °C) (–10 °C) (–18 °C) Below
70 °F & 50 °F 30 °F 15 °F 0 °F 0 °F
Above
Minimum
Voltage
9.6 9.4 9.1 8.8 8.5 8.0
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. 10.15. 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. 10.15. 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
appearance 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.
2. Attach voltmeter and battery load tester
clamps to posts.
3. Remove surface charge from any battery that
has just been on charge IF THE GREEN DOT
IS VISIBLE. This includes batteries in the
vehicle having been charged by the vehicle
alternator.
Do not remove surface charge
from batteries that have been in storage. To
remove surface charge, apply a 300-ampere
load across the terminals for 15 seconds.
Then turn off load and wait for 15 seconds to
allow the battery to recover.
4. Battery temperature should be estimated by
touch and also by the surrounding tempera-
ture it was exposed to during the preceding
few hours before testing. Select the nearest
estimated temperature in the table below and
determine the minimum voltage which must be
maintained while the battery supplies a
specified electrical load
5. Apply a 260 A load test. Observe voltage after
15 seconds with load connected; then turn off
load.
6. If voltage is below value determined in step 4,
replace battery.
7. If voltage is at or above value determined in
step 4, battery is good and may be returned to
service.
8. Check the charge acceptance of the battery
one more time before discarding it.
e. Battery Charging
1. Do not charge battery if hydrometer is clear or
light yellow; replace battery.
2. Charge rates between 3 and 50 amperes are
generally satisfactory as long as spewing of
electrolyte does not occur or the battery does
not feel excessively hot [over 125 °F (52 °C)].
Battery temperature can be estimated by
touching or feeling the battery case. If spew-
ing occurs or temperature exceeds 125 °F
(52 °C), the charging rate must be reduced or
temporarily halted to permit cooling.