Battery Condition Questionable

Testing is required to determine the ability of a battery to function properly. The accuracy of the testing changes with temperature, specific gravity, age of the battery, type of battery,  etc. An accurate test has more than one step.
Step l: Visual inspection
Step 2: Specific gravity check (hydrometer)
Step 3: 421 test *
Step 4: "Load test"

Testing Cautions. Wear safety glasses. DO NOT break live circuits at battery terminals. When testing, be certain to remove gases at battery cover caused by charging.
*"421" and Load Test equipment is available from many automotive test equipment suppliers.

STEP 1
   Visual Inspection: Check for obvious damage, such as a cracked or broken case that shows loss of electrolyte. Check around the top of the case around the posts as well.
A. Obvious damage?
       Replace battery
B. No obvious damage ?
      * Check electrolyte level
           Below top of plates in one or more cells, Add water to
           just above separators but not to split ring
           Charge for 15 minutes @ 15-25 amps with non-flame
           arrestor vent caps removed but leave flame arrestor
           caps in place.
       * Electrolyte level above top of plates in all cells?
           Proceed to Step 2

STEP 2
Specific Gravity (Hydrometer) Test

A. 50 points or more variation between highest and lowest cell?
           * Replace battery
B. Less than 50 points variation between highest and lowest cell
        * Specific gravity 1.100 @ 80^o or more in all cells?
            If "421" tester is available, go to Step 3.
            If not available, go to Step 4.
            (6 and 8 volt. proceed to Step 4)
        * Specific gravity less then 1.100 in one or more cells?
            Proceed to Step 4

Step 3 
   Connect 300 amp load for 15 seconds (421" test)

        * Meter reading "bad'?
            Replace battery
        * Meter reading "good" No history of trouble?
            Fully charge, clean, add water to split ring
            and return battery to service .
        * History of trouble?
            Proceed to Step 4

STEP 4
   Load test
    Charge battery, if necessary, until all cells are at least
    1.200 specific gravity. Remove all vent caps.

        * If unable to obtain specific gravity of 1.200 @ 80^o in all cells?
             Replace battery.
        *  Specific gravity of 1.200 or more @ 80^o in all cells?
             Connect 300 amp load for 15 seconds
        * "Smoke" in one or more cells?
              Replace battery
        * "No smoke"?

1. Place thermometer in one cell.
2. Apply load equal to 3 times the ampere-hour rating of the battery
      (2 times for 6-volt batteries)
3. Read voltage at 15 seconds with load connected,
4. Remove load and read electrolyte  temperature, then compare
     voltage and temperature readings with Chart below.
         * Less than voltage on chart?
             Replace battery
         * Same as or greater than voltage on chart?
             Fully charge, clean, add water to split
             ring and return battery to service.

   BATTERY VOLTAGE and TEMPERATURE CHART (Fahrenheit)
      Note: Voltage must not drop below minimum listed at given
                   temperature when battery is subjected to the proper
                   load for 15 seconds and is 1.200 specific
                   gravity @ 80^o or more.