Charging Lead Adapters; Testing Specific G Ravity (Typical) - Chevrolet 10 1971 Series Chassis Service Manual

ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-4
Fig. 6b-Charging Lead Adapters
2. Temperature of the battery electrolyte
Example: About two hours longer will be needed to
charge a 0°F battery than an 80°F battery.
3. Battery state-of-charge at the start of the charging
period.
Example: A completely discharged battery requires
twice as much charge in ampere-hours as a one-half
charged battery.
4. Battery age and condition.
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.
The following basic rule applies to any battery charging
situation:
"Any battery may be charged at any rate in amperes
for as long as spewing of electrolyte due to violent gass­
ing does not occur, and for as long as electrolyte tem­
perature does not exceed 125 F. If spewing of electrolyte
occurs, or if electrolyte temperature exceeds 125 F., the
charging rate in amperes must be reduced or temporarily
halted to avoid damage to the battery.
The battery is fully charged when over a two-hour
period at a 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 tem­
perature with the electrolyte level at the split ring,
DO NOT SUCK 1 f HOLD
IN TOO MUCH TUBE
( \
ELECTROLYTE VERTICAL
FLOAT MUST.
BE
Fig. 7b-Testing Specific G ravity (Typical)
unless electrolyte loss has occurred due to age or over­
filling in which case the specific gravity reading will be
lower. For the most satisfactory charging, the lower
charging rates in amperes are recommended.
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 continue to pro­
vide 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. There­
fore, the " emergency boost charge" must be followed
by a subsequent charging period of sufficient duration
to restore the battery to a satisfactory state of charge.
Refer to the charging guide in this section.
When out of the vehicle, the sealed side terminal bat­
tery will require adapters for the terminals to provide a
place for attachment of the charging leads. Adapters are
available through local parts service.
When the sealed terminal battery is in the vehicle, the
studs provided in the wiring harness are suitable for
attachment of the charger's leads.
Exercise care when attaching charger
CAUTION:
leads to side terminal studs to avoid contact with
vehicle metal components which would result in
damage to the battery.
TAKE READING
AT EYE LEVEL
10-30 CHEVROLET TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL