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24. SERVICE PROCEDURE
If the top of a battery is dirty, it may be cleaned with a brush dipped in ammonia
or soda solution. The vent plugs must be tightened and sealed to prevent any
solution from getting into the battery cells. After the foaming stops, flush off the
battery with clean water and unseal the vent plugs. Brighten the terminal contact
surfaces with steel wool or a stiff brush.
24.11.2.5.4
Liquid
Level - Conventional
Battery
The electrolyte in each cell must be at the proper level, 6 to 13 mm (% to % in)
above the plates, at all times to prevent battery failure. Check the level of the
electrolyte. When the electrolyte is below this level, pure distilled water must be
added. Never use hydrant water or any water which has been in a metal con-
tainer. Acid or electrolyte must never be added except by a skilled battery man.
Under no circumstances
add any special battery solutions or powders.
It is especially
important to keep the battery at full charge for cold weather
operation. Add distilled water to the battery in freezing temperatures
only when
the engine is to operate for several hours, to thoroughly
mix the water and the
electrolyte, or damage to the battery may occur.
24.11.2.5.5
Charging Fully Discharged Maintenance-Free
Battery
When a machine is not in use for an extended period, the maintenance-free
battery can become discharged.
For this reason, when a machine will not be
used for over 30 days, it is recommended
that the negative ground terminal
cable be disconnected.
Prior to starting
up a machine that has been idle, always
make a visual
inspection of the battery and take an open circuit voltage test. A reading of 12.3
volts (65% of full charge) or less indicates a state of discharge. The open circuit
voltage
test should
be taken after removing
the surface
charge.
This is
accomplished
with a draw of 300 amps for 15 seconds. Wait for a couple of
minutes, then check the open circuit voltage.
The point to remember is the lower the open circuit voltage, the longer it will take
before the battery begins to accept a measurable amount of charge. Charge the
battery until a minimum open circuit voltage of 12.4 volts is reached. Then test
the battery.
If an open circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts is not attained at the end of 12
hours, it can be assumed that the battery has failed. If the voltage does not drop
below 9.6 volts at 21 "C (70°F) for the duration of the load test, the battery is
good.
3-60
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