BATTERY INSTALLATION - TM-5-3895-349-14-P0370

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY INSTALLATION

PREPARING DRY CHARGE BATTERIES

Shut off the battery charger before disconnecting

the booster charger clamps from the battery terminals.

One day before installing a new dry charge battery,

While the battery is charging, hydrogen gas is being

add the electrolyte solution to each cell.

given off through each vent cap. When hydrogen gas is

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

replaced.

INSTALLING BATTERY

2. Allow the battery to sit for several minutes to permit

1. Be sure the tray is free of objects which may

the battery plates to absorb the electrolyte.

puncture the battery case when the hold down

3. Add make-up electrolyte solution until the level

straps are tightened.

stabilizes. Once the level stabilizes, never add any-

2. Be sure terminal posts and cable clamps are clean.

thing but water.

3. Place the battery in the tray. Tighten the hold

4. Install the vent caps.

downs evenly until the battery is snug. Do not over-

5. Remove the tape covering the vent hole in each

tighten.

cap.

4. Connect the "hot" terminal first.

6. Slowly charge the battery on a battery charger until

5. Connect the ground terminal last.

the specific gravity of the solution is at least 1.240 at

a temperature of 80 (27 ).

CAUTION

Always connect the "hot" terminal first.

NOTE

When the "hot" terminal is connected first, no arcing

If the electrolyte solution temperature nears

125 (53 ) reduce the charging rate.

can occur if the wrench accidentally contacts both the

Temperature in excess of 125 (53 ) 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

The electrolyte solution was added by the

tray is connected to ground. Then, if the wrench

manufacturer. Make-up solution must be water; never

accidentally contacts the frame while connecting the

add electrolyte or acid to a wet charge battery. If

"hot" terminal, a circuit is completed through the wrench.

necessary, slowly charge the battery before using.

A hot spark will occur which could burn the person

holding the wrench, or possibly explode the battery if an

USING A BATTERY CHARGER

excess of hydrogen gas is present at any one of the vent

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

2. Read the hydrometer:

determined by measuring the specific gravity of the

electrolyte solution and adjusting the reading to 800F

(270C). If the electrolyte level is too low to allow taking

1.250 or above - fully charged battery cell

a hydrometer reading, add make-up water to the correct

1.250-1.225 - full to half charged battery cell

level and then charge the battery 2 to 4 hours before

1.225-1.150 - half to low charged battery cell

taking a reading.

Below 1.150 - dead cell

1.000 - water

1. Insert the hydrometer into a cell. Fill the hydrometer

3. Test each cell in the same manner.