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10-14
BATTERY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
(290)
the battery in the nearly full charged condition
during cold weather.
In extremely cold climates it is important to
keep batteries in a nearly full charged condi-
tion to avoid the possibility of freezing, which
will damage any battery. Figure 10-2 shows
the temperatures at which freezing will occur
in electrolytes of different densities, with spe-
cific gravity corrected to 80° F. Note that at
1.180 (nearly discharged) to electrolyte will
freeze at approximately 5° below zero.
10-17 PERIODIC BATTERY
INSPECTION
AND SERVICE
The battery requires very little attention,
but periodic inspection is essential to secure
the maximum efficiency and life. The following
services are essential to maintain the battery
at maximum efficiency.
CAUTION: The gas which is
'
produced in
the battery cells during charging is dangerously
explosive. Extreme care must be taken to avoid
bringing open flames, lighted matches, etc.,
near a battery which is or has been recently on
charge, and which is or has been gassing. Like-
wise care must be taken to avoid causing any
sparks near a battery, since this can also set
off an explosion of the gases. Before making
contact with battery it is advisable to establish
metallic contact between car bumper and
ground to discharge any static charge in the
car.
1. Electrolyte Level. One of the most im-
portant of all battery services is the periodic
addition of pure water to maintain the proper
level of electrolyte in each cell. See paragraph
10-18.
2.
Battery
Hold
Down Bolts and Strap.
Check hold down bolt s occasionally to make
certain the battery is
held securely
to battery
base on the frame. The
wing
nuts should be
drawn up finger tight; tightening wing nuts
witii pliers or wrench may dist
ort
the battery
case.
If
the top of battery is dirty or the hold
down strap is corroded, clean thoroughly with
a brush dipped in ammonia or soda solution.
Tighten vent plugs to prevent any solution
from getting into battery cells. After the foam-
ing of solution sto
ps,
flush off with clean
water
and dry
thoroughly.
If
hold
down strap is cor-
r
oded
it should be painted with
acid-resisting
paint after cleaning.
3. Battery Cables. Check battery
cables
occasionally to make certain they are tight at
battery posts, engine mounting bracket, and
cranking motor solenoid switch.
If
a connection
is found loose it should be cleaned before being
tightened as arcing and corrosion may have
taken place in the loose connection. Check con-
dition of cables and replace if badly corroded
or frayed. See paragraph 10-21 for instructions
on cleaning and tightening cable terminals and
replacement of cables.
4. Hydrometer Test.
It
is advisable to oc-
casionally check the condition of battery elec-
trolyte with a hydrometer (par. 10-19) in order
to determine whether the generating system is
maintaining the battery in a proper state of
charge. This is particularly important during
cold weather.
5.
High Discharge
Tests.
It
is advisable to
occasionally check the internal condition of
battery and the battery cables by means of the
high discharge test described in paragraph
10-20. This test will indicate whether the bat-
tery requires additional servicing, and whether
the cables are setting up resistance to the free
flow of
current.
Fig ure 10-3-Battery Filler Well
10-18 MAINTAINING
ELECTROLYTE
AT PROPER
LEVEL
Maintain the electrolyte at the proper level
in each cell by adding pure water as required.
Fill to ledge at bottom of slot in well on bat-
teries having filler well shown in figure 10-3.
On batteries which do not have this type filler
well, fill to
tA,"
above the separators, unless the
battery is marked with other instructions. Do
not
overfill, as electrolyte may be sprayed out
by gassing during charging. After filling, see
that
gaskets
are in place when filler plugs are
installed and tightened.
,
'.
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