Battery Testing

Before testing a battery, it is important that the battery has a proper charge.

1. Connect a digital voltmeter and a battery load tester across battery terminals.

2. Apply 300 ampere load for 15 seconds to remove surface charge from battery. Remove load.
3. Wait 15 seconds to let battery recover and apply specified load as indicated on battery label. Read voltage after 15 seconds with specified load applied, then remove load.
There are two ways of connecting to the side terminals to charge a battery:

1. By use of adapter charging tools. The number of this tool is AC-Delco ST-1201 or Borroughs BT-3572-2. The adapter should be snugged up against the lead pads of the battery with pliers to keep resistance between the adapter and battery terminals at a minimum.

2. By the use of a 3/8" bolt with standard threads (16 UNC) and 3/8" nuts with standard threads.

a. Screw 3/8" nut onto 3/8" bolt (1-1/2" or longer).

b. Using fingers, screw one bolt into each side terminal until it bottoms out, and then back off one full turn. (Do not tighten with wrench as bolts can be driven through case.)

c. Holding the bolt, screw the nut down on the bolt until the nut is against the battery terminal lead pad. Snug nut with pliers.