BATTERY INSTALLATION - TM-5-3895-349-14-P0870

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BATTERY INSTALLATION

While the battery is charging, hydrogen gas is being

PREPARING DRY CHARGE BATTERIES

given off through each vent cap. When hydrogen gas is

One day before installing a new dry charge battery,

mixed with air, the mixture is highly explosive and will

add the electrolyte solution to each cell.

explode in the presence of a spark or small flame.

1. Fill each cell to the bottom of the vent with

electrolyte solution.

WARNING

CAUTION

Never smoke near the area where batteries

If the battery is initially filled with water by

are being charged.

mistake, the battery is ruined and must be

INSTALLING BATTERY

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

replaced.

puncture the battery case when the hold down

2. Allow the battery to sit for several minutes to

traps awe tightened.

permit the battery plates to absorb the

2. Be sure terminal posts and cable clamps are

electrolyte.

clean,

3. Add make-up electrolyte solution until the level

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

stabilizes. Once the level stabilizes, never add

downs evenly until the battery Is snug, Do not

anything but water.

overtighten.

4. Install the vent caps.

4. Connect the "hot" terminal first.

6. Remove the tape covering the vent hole In

5. Connect the ground terminal last.

each cap.

CAUTION

6. Slowly charge the battery on e battery charger

Always connect the "hot" terminal first.

until the specific gravity of the solution is at

least 1.240 et a temperature of 80 (27 ).

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

can occur. If the wrench accidentally contacts both the

NOTE

terminal end the frame or tray. The part that is

If the electrolyte solution temperature nears

contacted will take the same polarity as the battery

125 (53 ) reduce the charging rate.

terminal.

Temperature in excess of 125 (53 ) will

By connecting the ground terminal first, the frame or

ruin the battery.

tray is connected to ground. Then, if the wrench

accidentally contacts the frame while connecting the

PREPARING WET CHARGE BATTERIES

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

The electrolyte solution was added by the

A hot spark will occur which could burn the person

manufacturer. Make-up solution must be water; never

holding the wrench, or possibly explode the battery if an

add electrolyte or acid to a wet charge battery. If

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

necessary, slowly charge the battery before using.

holes.

After connecting both cables, apply a thin coating of

USING A BATTERY CHARGER

grease over the cable clamps, terminals and hold down

A desirable charging rate can be calculated by

fasteners.

multiplying the amp-hour rating of the battery by .07

(7%). Shut off the battery charger before disconnecting

the booster charger clamps from the battery terminals.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

TESTING THE ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION

The general condition of a battery can be determined

float must not drag on the wall of the barrel.

by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte

2. Read the hydrometer:

solution and adjusting the reading to 80 (27 ). If the

1.250 or above - fully charged battery cell

electrolyte level is too low to allow taking a hydrometer

1.250-1.225 - full to half charged battery cell

reading, add make-up water to the correct level and

1.225-1.150 - half to low charged battery cell

then charge the battery 2 to 4 hours before taking a

Below 1.150. dead cell

reading.

1.000 - water

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

3. Test each cell in the same manner.

meter barrel while holding it vertically. The