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ELECTRICAL
197
To free clamp. do not grab around the cable
but use a proper tool.
Jerking the cable entails stresses which may
crack the ebonite cell cover or tear cable off clamp.
thus causing electrolyte dispersion paths,
with
consequent damages.
Terminal posts and clamps should be coated
exclusively with pure ropy vaseline.
Electrolyte Level.
During battery operation, water is the only ele-
ment that, due to evaporation, must be periodically
added to top up battery.
Therefore it
will
be necessary to add distilled
water periodically (so that separators do not emerge
from electrolyte), but never acid.
NOTE . Electrolyte level must never be higher
than recommended. When level is too high, gases
developed cause the spraying of the electrolyte
on battery top, with consequent corrosion of
clamps, terminals and battery case.
Electrolyte level must be checked at I,SOO-mile
(2.500
kIn)
intervals or every 15 days
if
car is laid up.
Checking State of Charge.
The state of charge is determined by measuring
the electrolyte specific gravity.
Never use the
high-discharge method (voltmeter individual cell
tester). since cells thus tested may be seriously
damaged
with
considerable current consumption.
The electrolyte gravity
is
proportional to the
state of charge.
Relationships:
To check specific gravity use the hydrometer
A. 95852.
Readings should be taken at eye level on float
graduated stem, the float being free and tube
vertical.
Once reading has been taken
I
return the elec-
trolyte to the cell from which it was sucked.
Fig. 314 - Arrangement of battery in car.
A. Battery recess cover hold-down nut. • B. Battery recess cover. -
C. Front compartment Ooor mat.
Specific gravity
1.28
1.25
1.22
1.19
1.16
1.11
State of charge
100%
75%
50%
25%
barely operative
completely discharged
Electrolyte level must be kept constantly above
separators but not above a given height.
Cell filler necks are fitted with an opening for
«level sight
I).
This opening (fig. 313) is situated
at the bottom of the filler neck well and can be
reached by unscrewing the filler cover.
Such new design makes for an easier check of
battery electrolyte level and quicker topping up
operation.
The cell is correctly filled when the electrolyte
level is flush with the
«
level sight}) opening.
The filler neck has also two vertical vent slots
for vapour dissipation.
IMPORTANT - When reading the hydrometer-
take care to avoid the dripping of the tube: ac·
tually the electrolyte contains sulphuric acid which
causes corrosions, current dispersion, etc., to
whatever it contacts.
Specific gravity readings should never be taken
under these conditions:
a) Incorrect electrolyte level.
b) Too warm. or too cold electrolyte: temper-
ature should be 590 to 77° F (150 to 250 C).
c) Soon after topping up: uniform acid solution
in
electrolyte must be waited for; flat batteries may
require even some hours.
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