Batteries

When we first got the batteries there were 2 terminals (one positive and one negative) and several screw caps. These screw caps let you get to the electrolite inside.

The first test we did was a visual inspection of the battery for corrosion and deformation/warping of the battery. We also should make sure there is no leakage of electrolite and the battery clamp bolts are tight. If there was some corrosion on the terminals we would need to clean it with some water and baking soda.
Another visual check was of the electolite levels. If they were just covering the plates inside then they were at a satisfactory level.

Checking the OCV (open circuiut voltage) we put the voltmeter accross the terminals on the battery.
Anything under 12.4V you would have to charge the battery before continuing with testing. My battery was 12.8V so I could continue with testing.

Next test is the specific gravity test. This is the difference between the highest hydrometer reading and the lowest. My specific gravity variatin was 0.1 which is in the good range (0-0.5)

Next was the high rate discharge test. The CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) of my battery was 410A. This means I have to apply a load of 205A (half the CCA). The voltage of the battery must hold above 9.5V while the load is applied for 15 sec.
The voltage held while the load was applied was 10V which is a pass.

The parasitic draw test is when you attach a multimeter set to amps in series with the battery circuit. The ammount allowed is 0.3mA. My result was 0.25mA which is ok.

Sadly we did not get to do any work with a digital battery tester.