USING A DIGITAL BATTERY TESTER ON A BATTERY WITH STUD POSTS

When using a digital tester on any battery that has threaded stud posts always connect the clamps of your digital tester to the lead pad at the base of the post. This will prevent false/inaccurate readings.

Below we are testing a new Optima D31T (NSN 6140-01-457-5469) using a common digital conductance tester found in the Army SATS and in maintenance shops of the other military services. When the tester is connected to the threaded posts it incorrectly reads 115 CCAs and “REPLACE BATTERY”.   However, when connected to the lead pad the same battery reads 1,240 CCAs and “GOOD BATTERY”. 

The clamps on these digital conductance testers are designed for soft lead automotive posts. When connected to steel threaded stud posts there is a lot more resistance which causes an incorrect, very low CCA reading. If your threaded stud battery does not have a lead pad or your clamps are too small you can use 3/8″ screw-on automotive terminal adapters found in the battery drawer on the Army SATS or at most auto parts stores. If your battery has dual terminals such as with the Optima Blue Tops, always connect the clamps to the automotive posts

 

BATTERY UPGRADE for the DRASH generator / ECU system:

Here is another example of where you can substitute DLA stocked Optima SPIRALCELL batteries for flat plate batteries. These pictures (download PDF newsletter # 4 for pics) show the DRASH system with flat plate AGM batteries, and then with Optima model 34 Red Top batteries. Some simple changes are required, see note below.

Note: The posts & terminals on the original batteries are non-standard. Installing Optimas will require 1 positive clamp (5940-00-549-6581) and 1 negative clamp (5940-00-549-6583) which are commonly found in most maintenance shops. The hold down bolts on some DRASH battery brackets will also be too long for the Optima which is 1” shorter than the original battery. You may need to add some thread or spacers to the bolts. As an option we have a 1″ plastic spacer which can be put on the bolts, FREE to US Military customers on request. This picture shows the 1” plastic spacer installed on the hold down bolt.

Newsletters

Articles & Tech Bulletins: