Buick LeSabre 1965 Service Manual page 577

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
BATTERY SERVICE 1 0 - 7
In order for the battery to con-
tinue to function, it is necessary
that current withdrawal from the
battery be balanced by current
input from the generator so that
the battery is maintained in a
properly charged condition. If the
outgo exceeds the input the bat-
tery will become discharged so
that it cannot supply sufficient
energy.
The state of charge of the battery
as well as the temperature of the
electrolyte h a s an important
bearing on its capacity for sup-
plying energy. Battery efficiency
is greatly reduced by decreased
electrolyte temperature as it has
a decided numbing effect on its
electrochemical action. U n d e r
high discharge such as cranking,
battery voltage drops to lower
values in cold temperatures than
in warm temperatures.
In extremely cold climates it is
important to keep batteries in a
nearly full charged condition to
avoid the possibility of freezing,
which will damage any battery.
The following table shows t h e
temperatures at which freezing
will occur in electrolytes of dif-
ferent densities, with specific
gravity corrected to 80° F.
Specific Gravity Freezing Point
1.220 -35°F.
1.200 -20°F.
provided they are not
more than four high.
stacked
1.160 0°F.
e. Care of Dry Batteries
in Storage
A "dry charge" battery contains
fully charged positive and nega-
tive plates but no electrolyte.
Dry charged batteries should be
stored in a dry place away from
excessive heat. A dry charged
battery should be kept in its orig-
inal carton until ready to be put
into service. This type of battery
will retain its " charged" con-
dition indefinitely if protected
from moisture. Dry batteries may
be stacked in vertical columns
f. Preparing Dry Charged
Batteries for Service
To prepare "dry charge" bat-
teries for service use approved
battery - grade a c i d electrolyte
(1.265 sp. gr. at 80° F). Care
should be exercised in its use to
prevent bodily injury or damage
to clothing or other material re-
sulting from actual contact with
the electrolyte.
Electrolyte should be added to dry
charged batteries in an area
where water is readily available
for flushing in case the electro-
lyte comes into contact with the
body. Refer to instructions on
side of electrolyte container for
antidotes to use if electrolyte
comes into contact with the body.
It is strongly recommended that
a person filling batteries with
electrolyte wear glasses (prefer-
ably safety glasses) to prevent
possible d a m a g e to the eyes
should any spattering of the elec-
trolyte occur.
1. Remove dry charged battery
from its original carton.
2. Remove the vent plugs.
3. Using a glass or acid-proof
plastic funnel, fill each battery
cell with electrolyte. Do not use
a metal funnel for filling the bat-
tery. The cell is properly filled
when the electrolyte level rises
to the split ring at the bottom of
the vent well. Do not overfill or
underfill. Overfilling will cause
acid corrosion in the battery
area; underfilling will cause early
battery failure.
4. After filling cells, wait five
to ten minutes and add additional
electrolyte, if necessary, to bring
the electrolyte to the proper
level.
5. Never finish filling a d r y
charge battery with water. If
electrolyte is spilled, more elec-
trolyte must be obtained.
g. Test After Batteries are
Prepared for Service
The Delco Dry Charge Battery
may be put into service imme-
diately after activation. However,
to insure good battery perform-
ance, the following activation tests
are recommended.
1. After adding electrolyte, check
the open circuit voltage. Less
than 10 volts indicate a reverse
cell or an open circuit and the
battery should be replaced.
2. Check the specific gravity of
all cells. If the specific gravity
corrected to 80° F. shows more
than a thirty point (.030) drop
from the initial filling with elec-
trolyte, or if one or more cells
gas violently after addition of
electrolyte, the battery should be
fully charged before use.
3. For best performance in cold
weather (32° F. or less), or if the
battery and the electrolyte are
not at 60° F. or above at time of
activation, warm the battery by
boost charging.
1 0 - 8 PERIODIC BATTERY
INSPECTION AND
SERVICE
The battery requires very little
attention, but periodic inspection
is essential to secure the maxi-
mum efficiency and life. The fol-
lowing services are essential to
maintain the battery at maximum
efficiency.
CAUTION: The gas which is pro-
duced in the battery cells during
charging is dangerously explo-
sive. Extreme care must be taken
to avoid bringing open flames,
lighted matches, etc., near a bat-
tery which is or has been re-
cently on charge, and which is or
has been gassing. Likewise care
must be taken to avoid causing