GMC 1976 ZEO 6083 Maintenance Manual page 392

6Y- 1 2
ENGINE ELECTRICAL
EXAMPLE: A completely discharged battery re-
quires twice as much charge in ampere-hours as a
one-half charged battery.
EXAMPLE: A battery that has been subjected to
severe service will require up to 50% more ampere-
hour charging input than a relatively new battery.
A battery may be charged at any rate in amperes
for as long as spewing of electrolyte due to violent
gassing does not occur, and for as long as electrolyte
temperature does not exceed 125°F. (49°C.) If spew-
ing of electrolyte occurs, or if electrolyte temperature
exceeds 120°F. (49°C.), the charging rate in amperes
must be reduced or temporarily halted to avoid ener-
gizer.
The battery is fully charged when over a two-
hour period at low charging rate in amperes all cells
are gassing freely (not spewing liquid electrolyte),
and no change in specific gravity occurs . The full
charge specific gravity is 1 .260-1 .280, corrected for
electrolyte temperature with the electrolyte level at
the split ring, unless electrolyte loss has occurred due
to age or overfilling in which case the specific gravity
reading will be lower. For the most satisfactory
charging, the lower charging rates in amperes are
recommended.
Maintenance-Free batteries should
not
be
charged more than 60 ampere-hours .
If after prolonged charging a specific gravity of
at least 1 .230 on all cells cannot be reached, the
battery is not in an optimum condition and will not
provide optimum performance ; however, it may con-
tinue to provide additional service if it has performed
satisfactorily in the past .
An "emergency boost charge", consisting of a
high charging rate for a short period of time, may be
applied as a temporary expedient in order to crank
an engine . However, this procedure usually supplies
insufficient battery reserve to crank a second and
third time . Therefore, the "emergency boost charge"
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
CARE OF BATTERY
Energizer Storage
Since the "dry charge" battery is vacuum sealed
against the entrance of moisture, it may be stored for
very long periods of time without detrimental effects
so long as the seals remain unbroken . When storing
CHARGING GUIDE
Figure 16-Charging Lead Adapters
must be followed by a subsequent charging period of
sufficient duration to restore the battery to a satisfac-
tory state of charge . Refer to the charging guide in
this section .
When out of the vehicle, the sealed side terminal
battery will require adapters (figure 16) for the termi-
nals to provide a place for attachment of the charging
leads . Adapters are available through local parts ser-
vice .
When the side terminal battery is in the vehicle,
the studs provided in the wiring harness are suitable
for attachment of the charger's leads.
CAUTION:
Exercise care when attaching
charger leads to side terminal studs to avoid
contact with vehicle metal components
which would result in damage to the bat-
tery.
a "dry charge" battery, the following procedures
should be followed :
1 . Keep the battery in its shipping carton until
activated.
2. Do not stack the "dry charge" battery in car-
tons more than four high .
3. Rotate stocks regularly.