ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY INSTALLATION
Shut off the battery charger before disconnecting
PREPARING DRY CHARGE BATTERIES
the booster charger clamps from the battery terminals.
While the battery is charging, hydrogen gas is being
One day before installing a new dry charge battery,
given off through each vent cap. When hydrogen gas is
add the electrolyte solution to each cell.
mixed with air, the mixture is highly explosive and will
explode in the presence of a spark or small flame.
1. Fill each cell to the bottom of the vent with
electrolyte solution.
WARNING
Never smoke near the area where batteries
CAUTION
are being charged.
If the battery is initially filled with water by
mistake, the battery is ruined and must be
INSTALLING BATTERY
replaced.
1. Be sure the tray is free of objects which may
2. Allow the battery to sit for several minutes to permit
puncture the battery case when the hold down
the battery plates to absorb the electrolyte.
straps are tightened.
3. Add make-up electrolyte solution until the level
2. Be sure terminal posts and cable clamps are clean.
stabilizes. Once the level stabilizes, never add any-
3. Place the battery in the tray. Tighten the hold
thing but water.
downs evenly until the battery is snug. Do not over-
4. Install the vent caps.
tighten.
5. Remove the tape covering the vent hole in each
4. Connect the "hot" terminal first.
cap.
5. Connect the ground terminal last.
6. Slowly charge the battery on a battery charger until
the specific gravity of the solution is at least 1.240 at
a temperature of 80F (27C).
CAUTION
Always connect the "hot" terminal first.
NOTE
When the "hot" terminal is connected first, no arcing
If the electrolyte solution temperature nears
125F (53C) reduce the charging rate.
can occur if the wrench accidentally contacts both the
Temperature in excess of 125F (53C) will
terminal and the frame or tray. The part that is
contacted will take the same polarity as the battery
ruin the battery.
terminal.
PREPARING WET CHARGE BATTERIES
By connecting the ground terminal first, the frame or
tray is connected to ground. Then, if the wrench
The electrolyte solution was added by the
accidentally contacts the frame while connecting the
manufacturer. Make-up solution must be water; never
"hot" terminal, a circuit is completed through the wrench.
add electrolyte or acid to a wet charge battery. If
A hot spark will occur which could burn the person
necessary, slowly charge the battery before using.
holding the wrench, or possibly explode the battery if an
excess of hydrogen gas is present at any one of the vent
USING A BATTERY CHARGER
holes.
A desirable charging rate can be calculated by
multiplying the amp-hour rating of the battery by .07
After connecting both cables, apply a thin coating of
(7%).
grease over the cable clamps, terminals and hold down
fasteners.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
TESTING THE ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION
barrel while holding it vertically. The float must not drag
on the wall of the barrel.
The general condition of a battery can be
determined by measuring the specific gravity of the
2. Read the hydrometer:
electrolyte solution and adjusting the reading to 800F
1.250 or above - fully charged battery cell
(270C). If the electrolyte level is too low to allow taking
1.250-1.225 - full to half charged battery cell
a hydrometer reading, add make-up water to the correct
1.225-1.150 - half to low charged battery cell
level and then charge the battery 2 to 4 hours before
Below 1.150 - dead cell
taking a reading.
1.000 - water
1. Insert the hydrometer into a cell. Fill the hydrometer
3. Test each cell in the same manner.
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