Servicing the Battery

Hydrometer method. Some modern, maintenance-free batteries do not have caps. If yours is that type, see the volt-meter method which follows. Remove the battery vent filler caps, then insert the hydrometer rubber tube into one of the filler holes. Squeeze the bulb and release it slowly to draw in the electrolyte until the float begins to rise, then stop releasing the bulb. Do not remove the hydrometer from the battery. Holding the hydrometer in a vertical position, note the specific gravity reading of the float. When reading the float your eyes must be at the same level as the level of the electrolyte. After checking the specific gravity, squeeze the bulb to return the electrolyte back into the battery cell, and remove the hydrometer from the cell. Repeat the above operation in all re-maining cells.

Specific gravity readings must be within manufacturer's specifications. See the chart, Battery Testing with a Hydrometer. Caution: Electrolyte consists of water and sulfuric acid. If the electrolyte is spilled on your hands or face, wash it off thoroughly with water to prevent acid burn. If it is spilled on your clothing, they must be washed at once or it will burn holes. Any electrolyte spilled on the battery, fender, or engine parts must be washed off with water to prevent damage. Rinse the hydrometer out with water when you have finished testing the battery.

Voltmeter method. Connect the voltmeter to the battery as follows: the red lead terminal (positive) goes to the positive post of the battery; the other lead (negative) goes to the negative post. If the voltmeter does not read at least 13.1 volts, the battery is not fully charged, and you should recharge it.

Using a battery charger. Disconnect both cables from their posts. Remove all filler caps, then check and correct the level of electrolyte in the battery. Connect the positive lead of the battery charger to the positive battery post, and the negative lead to the negative post. To operate the charger, refer to the in-structions that come with it. The charg ing rate should not exceed six amperes. When the battery is charged, disconnect the charger, install the vent caps, and connect the cables. Caution: The area must be well-ventilated when charging a battery, because hydrogen gas is released from the cells. There should be no smoking and no open flames near the battery while it's being charged.

Battery load test using the cranking motor

Remove the air cleaner, unhook the high-voltage coil wire from the distributor cap center tower, and ground the wire. With the battery fully charged, connect the voltmeter to the battery. Connect a remote control starter switch to the solenoid or relay. Crank the engine with this switch for five seconds. Observe the voltage reading while the engine is cranking. The voltage should not drop below 9.5 volts. If it does, the battery may have a weak or defective cell and should be replaced. If it does not drop below 9.5 volts, disconnect the voltmeter and charge the battery with the charger.

Replacing the battery

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery, then disconnect the positive cable. Release or remove the mechanism holding the battery down, located either at its top or at its base. Note the position of the battery in the tray, that is, whether the positive or negative post faces the engine. Attach the battery strap to the post and lift out the battery. Lift batteries with side-mounted posts out by hand. Thoroughly clean the battery case and the mechanism holding it down. Attach the battery strap to the new battery and install it in the case, in the same position as the old one. Replace the mechanism holding down the battery and clean the cables. First connect the positive cable to the positive post, then connect the negative cable. See Chapter 3 for detailed instructions on battery maintenance.

Replacing battery cables

To replace battery cables, disconnect the negative cable from the post, then disconnect the positive cable. If the starter motor can be reached easily from the engine compartment, disconnect the cables from the starter, solenoid, and/or relay. On all V-type engines, the car must be raised and supported to gain access to the starter motor. Clean all connecting surfaces and install the new cables. Remember to install the positive cable before the negative.