Suzuki outboard motors 1988 2003 repair manual., Page 156Get this manual
5-44 IGNITION AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS any loss will result in poor performance, short battery life, and will contribute quickly to corrosion Never add electrolyte from another batteryUse only distilled waterBattery Testing
BATTERY TERMINALS
At least once season, the battery terminals and cable clamps should be cleanedLoosen the clamps and remove the cables, negative cable firstOn batteries with top mounted posts, the use of puller specially made for this purpose is recommendedThese are inexpensive and available in most parts storesClean the cable clamps and the battery terminal with wire brush, until all corrosion, grease, etc is removed and the metal is shinyIt is especially important to clean the inside of the clamp thoroughly (a wire brush is useful here), since small deposit of foreign material or oxidation there will prevent sound electrical connection and inhibit either starting or chargingIt is also good idea to apply some dielectric grease to the terminal, as this will aid in the prevention of corrosionAfter the clamps and terminals are clean, reinstall the cables, negative cable last, do not hammer the clamps onto battery postsTighten the clamps securely, but do not distort themGive the clamps and terminals thin external coating of grease after installation, to retard corrosionCheck the cables at the same time that the terminals are cleanedIf the insulation is cracked or broken, or if its end is frayed, that cable should be replaced with new one of the same length and gaugehydrometer is device to measure the percentage of sulfuric acid in the battery electrolyte in terms of specific gravity When the condition of the battery drops from fully charged to discharged, the acid leaves the solution and enters the plates, causing the specific gravity of the electrolyte to drop It may not be common knowledge, but hydrometer floats are calibrated for use at 80° (27OC) If the hydrometer is used at any other temperature, hotter or colder, correction factor must be applied
Remember, liquid will expand if it is heated and will contract if cooledSuch expansion and contraction will cause definite change in the specific gravity of the liquid, in this case the electrolytequality hydrometer will have thermometertemperature correction table in the lower portion, as illustrated in the accompanying illustrationBy knowing the air temperature around the battery and from the table, correction factor may be applied to the specific gravity reading of the hydrometer floatIn this manner, an accurate determination may be made as to the condition of the batteryWhen using hydrometer, pay careful attention to the following points: 1Never attempt to take reading immediately after adding water to the batteryAllow at least hour of charging at high rate to thoroughly mix the electrolyte with the new waterThis time will also allow for the necessary gases to be created2Always be sure the hydrometer is clean inside and out as precaution against contaminating the electrolyte3If thermometer is an integral part of the hydrometer, draw liquid into it several times to ensure the correct temperature before taking reading4Be sure to hold the hydrometer vertically and suck up liquid only until the float is free and floating5Always hold the hydrometer at eye level and take the reading at the surface of the liquid with the float free and floating6Disregard the slight curvature appearing where the liquid rises against the float stemThis phenomenon is due to surface tension7Do not drop any of the battery fluid on the boat or on your clothing, because it is extremely causticUse water and baking soda to neutralize any battery liquid that does accidentally drop8After drawing electrolyte from the battery cell until the float is barely free, note the level of the liquid inside the hydrometerIf the level is within the Green band range for all cells, the condition of the battery is satisfactoryIf the level is within the white band for all cells, the battery is in fair condition9If the level is within the Green or white band for all cells except one, which registers in the red, the cell is shorted internallyNo amount of charging bring the battery back to satisfactory condition10If the level in all cells is about the same, even if it falls in the Red band, the battery may be rechargedand returned to serviceIf the level fails to rise above the Red band after charging, the only solution is to replace the battery Battery Cleaning