Cub Cadet 2000 Series - Manual (Page 136)

2000 Series Tractors
130
Checking battery condition
There are three things to do when testing a battery:
• Visual inspection
• Electrolyte test
• Operational test
1. Visual inspection
• Inspect the battery and battery connections for
corrosion. Clean if necessary. Neutralize acid
with baking soda, and protect the terminals
once they are cleaned.
NOTE: Battery cable corrosion is the most common
type of increased resistance circuit failures.
• Inspect the battery case for signs of damage
and missing vent caps. Battery cases that bow
out in the middle indicate that the battery froze
or over heated and should be replaced.
2. Check the electrolyte level if the caps can be removed. Fill as needed with distilled water. After initial charging,
do not add electrolyte to the battery.
3. Hydrometer test (non-sealed batteries only). See Figure 7.50.
3a. Give the battery at least ten minutes for the
electrolyte to stabilize after charging the bat-
tery or adding water to the cells.
3b. Measure the temperature of the electrolyte in
the middle cells of the battery.
3c. Squeeze the bulb on the hydrometer, then
insert the hose into the cell.
3d. Release the bulb, drawing electrolyte into the
hydrometer to the fill line.
IMPORTANT: Hold the hydrometer straight up and
down when drawing up the electro-
lyte. The float needs to float free, not rubbing against the sides of the hydrometer.
3e. Write down the specific gravity of each cell.
3f. The readings must be corrected for the temperature of the electrolyte. The hydrometer manufacture
should list the temperature the float is calibrated to. Most are calibrated to 80
o . To correct the reading,
add 0.004 to the reading for every 10 o above the calibrated temperature or subtract 0.004 for every 10 o
below the calibrated temperature.
3g. Compare the reading to the Hydrometer readings chart.
IMPORTANT: To prevent damage to the charging system disconnect the battery to charge it.
NOTE: If battery needs to be charged, let battery sit for ten minutes to stabilize after charging. Apply a load to
the battery for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge. Then re-check the battery.
Figure 7.50
Hydrometer
Always wear eye protection and acid resistant gloves when working with electrolyte. Use bak-
ing soda to neutralize any spilled acid.
! CAUTION ! CAUTION
Hydrometer Readings
Specific Gravity Charge Condition
1.265 Fully Charged
1.225 75% Charged
1.190 50% Charged
1.155 25% Charged