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6H-2 CHARGING SYSTEM
Battery Description
The battery has three major functions in the electrical system.
• It is a source of electrical energy for cranking the engine.
• It acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system.
• It can, for a limited time, provide energy when the electrical load exceeds the output of the generator.
Carrier and hold-down
The battery carrier should be in good condition so that it will support the battery securely and keep it level.
Before installing the battery, the battery carrier and hold-down clamp should be clean and free from corrosion
and make certain there are no parts in carrier.
To prevent the battery from shaking in its carrier, the hold-down bolts should be tight enough but not over-tight-
ened.
Electrolyte freezing
The freezing point of electrolyte depends on its specific gravity. Since freezing may ruin a battery, it should be
protected against freezing by keeping it in a fully charged condition. If a battery is frozen accidentally, it should
not be charged until it is warmed.
Sulfation
If the battery is allowed to stand for a long period in discharged condition, the lead sulfate becomes converted
into a hard, crystalline substance, which will not easily turn back to the active material again during the subse-
quent recharging. "Sulfation" means the result as well as the process of that reaction. Such a battery can be
revived by very slow charging and may be restored to usable condition but its capacity is lower than before.
Built-in indicator (if equipped)
The battery has a built-in temperature compensated indicator at the top of the battery. This indicator is to be
used with the following diagnostic procedure. When checking the indicator, make sure that the battery has a
clean top. A light may be needed in some poorly-lit areas.
General Description
Three types of indication available under normal operation are as
follows.
• Green Dot
Battery is sufficiently charged for testing.
• Dark
Battery must be charged before testing.
If there is a cranking complaint, battery should be tested as
described in "Diagnosis" section. Charging and electrical
systems should also be checked at this time.
• Clear or Light Yellow
This means that fluid level is below the bottom of hydrome-
ter. Its possible cause is excessive or prolonged charging, a
broken case, excessive tipping or normal battery deteriora-
tion. When the battery is found in such condition, it is possi-
ble that high charging voltage is caused by the faulty
charging system and therefore, charging and electrical sys-
tems need to be checked. If there is a trouble in cranking
and its cause lies in the battery, it should be replaced.
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