How do you test the specific gravity on the batteries

deucehill7373 · 10-10-2012, 03:54 AM

I have a Yamaha G8E and it just quit working. I have fully charged the batteries and on the volt meter am showing 6.4 on all the batteries (trojan) but they are swolen and dont have a clue how old they really are. I had read a post about batteries and it mentioned checking the specific gravity, so before I move on to something else I would like to check that if it would help me determine if the batteries are in need of replacement. but I am clueless on how exactly to do that.

Volt_Ampere · 10-10-2012, 08:36 PM

You buy yourself a hydrometer. It's a glass tube with a bulb on the end and a float inside. You suck up some of the liquid and read where the float meets the surface.

scottyb · 10-10-2012, 08:54 PM

don't get a 'floating balls' hydrometer. They are for antifreeze only. You have to be pretty scientific about getting a clean sample and an accurate reading to gather any useful information.
Mark the batteries 1-6 for test purposes test cells front to back so #3 is always at the rear of the cart. This will be helpful if you decide to equalize the pack and recheck SG later.
Test should be done 12 hours after the charger has auto shut off with the battery water at 70-80 degrees...... see info on temperature compensating SG meters.
This is not totally critical because as you test each individual cell and write down the readings what you are really looking for is the difference between cells in a battery and the difference between battery cell groups.
Check and log voltage first.
Log the pack, then readings for each battery 1-6
Start by getting a reading on the first cell.
In the second cell draw up the sample then put it back and draw a second sample to read. Do this so you are rinsing the meter of the last cell water. This process is repeated for each cell. You can post the readings and we will help you interpret the readings.
No cell should be 20 pts below any other cell in the battery.
No battery should be more than .2 volts below another in the pack, ideally.

lets see what you got

gulamula · 10-26-2012, 11:54 AM

10-10-2012, 03:54 AM	#1
deucehill7373 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 3	How do you test the specific gravity on the batteries I have a Yamaha G8E and it just quit working. I have fully charged the batteries and on the volt meter am showing 6.4 on all the batteries (trojan) but they are swolen and dont have a clue how old they really are. I had read a post about batteries and it mentioned checking the specific gravity, so before I move on to something else I would like to check that if it would help me determine if the batteries are in need of replacement. but I am clueless on how exactly to do that.
deucehill7373 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 3

10-10-2012, 08:36 PM	#2
Volt_Ampere Gone Wild Join Date: May 2012 Location: Rio Verde, Az Posts: 7,191	Re: How do you test the specific gravity on the batteries You buy yourself a hydrometer. It's a glass tube with a bulb on the end and a float inside. You suck up some of the liquid and read where the float meets the surface.

10-26-2012, 11:54 AM	#4
gulamula Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 1	Re: How do you test the specific gravity on the batteries yeps
gulamula Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 1

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
Battery voltage & sp. gravity ok but low capacity	Electric EZGO
Specific gravity test	Electric Club Car
Replaced OBC, Charger is good, good cables, Specific gravity is off the charts, but..	Electric Club Car
battery with no specific gravity reading	Electric Club Car
Specific Gravity and State of Charge	Electric Club Car

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

10-10-2012, 08:54 PM	#3
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,419	Re: How do you test the specific gravity on the batteries don't get a 'floating balls' hydrometer. They are for antifreeze only. You have to be pretty scientific about getting a clean sample and an accurate reading to gather any useful information. Mark the batteries 1-6 for test purposes test cells front to back so #3 is always at the rear of the cart. This will be helpful if you decide to equalize the pack and recheck SG later. Test should be done 12 hours after the charger has auto shut off with the battery water at 70-80 degrees...... see info on temperature compensating SG meters. This is not totally critical because as you test each individual cell and write down the readings what you are really looking for is the difference between cells in a battery and the difference between battery cell groups. Check and log voltage first. Log the pack, then readings for each battery 1-6 Start by getting a reading on the first cell. In the second cell draw up the sample then put it back and draw a second sample to read. Do this so you are rinsing the meter of the last cell water. This process is repeated for each cell. You can post the readings and we will help you interpret the readings. No cell should be 20 pts below any other cell in the battery. No battery should be more than .2 volts below another in the pack, ideally. lets see what you got