Simple Steps For Longer Battery Life
Trojan Battery Company has manufactured batteries for eighty years. Our experience shows that the key to achieving optimum performance and long life is a solid battery maintenance program using the simple procedures outlined here.
Equipment:
Trojan recommends the following equipment for use in battery care and maintenance:
• Wrench
• Post Cleaner
• Distilled Water
• Baking Soda
• Voltmeter
• Petroleum Jelly
• Hydrometer
• Goggles & Gloves
CAUTION: Always wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles when handling batteries and electrolyte.
Inspection
1. Examine the outside appearance of the battery.
• Look for cracks in the container.
• The top of the battery, posts and connections should be free of dirt, fluids and corrosion. (If
batteries are dirty, see Cleaning section.)
• Replace any damaged batteries.
2. Any fluids on or around the battery may indicate that electrolyte is spilling, leaching or leaking out. • Leaking batteries must be replaced.
3. Check all battery cables and connections. • Look closely for loose or damaged parts.
• Replace any cable that is broken or frayed.
4. Tighten all wiring connections to the proper specification (following page.) Be sure there is good contact with the terminals.
WARNING: Do not smoke near batteries.
WARNING: Do not over-tighten terminals.
Over-tightening can result in post breakage, post meltdown or fire.
Proper Torque Values for Connection Hardware
Flooded
Automotive: 50-70 in-lbs
Side: 70-90 in-lbs
Wingnut: 95-105 in-lbs
LPT: 95-105 in-lbs
LT: 100-120 in-lbs
Specific Gravity Testing: (Flooded batteries only)
1.Do not add water prior to testing.
2.Fill and drain the hydrometer 2-4 times before drawing a sample from the battery.
3.Have enough sample electrolyte in the hydrometer to completely support the float.
4.Take a reading, record it and return the electrolyte to the cell.
5.Check all cells in the battery, repeating the steps above.
6.Replace vent caps and wipe off any electrolyte that might have been spilled.
7.Correct the readings to 80°F:
• Add .004 to readings for every 10° above 80°F. Subtract .004 for every 10° below 80°F.
8.Check the state of charge using the table on the next page. The readings should be within the factory specification of 1.277 +/-.007. If any specific gravity reading registers low, follow these steps:
1.Check and record voltage level(s).
2.Put batteries on a complete charge.
3.Take specific gravity readings again.
If any specific gravity reading still registers low, follow these steps:
1.Check voltage level(s).
2.Perform equalization charge. (See Equalizing).
3.Take specific gravity readings again.
Building and Maintaining Better Batteries Since 1925
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