Maintenance of Auto Crane unit batteries differs very
little from the generally prescribed maintenance of any
lead acid battery. All batteries must be kept
properly
charged, properly filled with water, and relatively
clean
.
Keep Properly Charged
Many things affect the proper charge to a battery, such
as:
1
Regulator settings
2
Proper tightness of belts on the alternator
or generator
3
Good, clean connections of all cables
and wires at the following places:
A. Battery
B. Regulator
C. Starting motor
D. Alternator or generator
E. Ground connections (most important)
It is of extreme importance to keep the battery as fully
charged as possible without overcharging, especially
when vehicles are left outside for extended periods in
extremely cold climates. A battery
can
freeze.
Freezing points for various specific gravities of acid are
as follows:
Specific Gravity Freezing Temp.
(Corrected to 80ºF) Degrees F.
1.280 -90ºF
1.250 -62ºF
1.200 -16ºF
1.150 5ºF
1.100 19ºF
As shown, a half-charged battery (about 1.200 specific
gravity) cannot stand for any length of time at 20ºF or it
will freeze.
The
main reason
for keeping the battery as fully
charged as possible without over-charging is to ensure
that power is available even though the vehicle has been
standing for some time.
Keep Properly Filled with Water
The battery should
always
be properly filled with water.
If the electrolyte level is allowed to fall below the top of
the plates, the results become threefold:
1
The exposed portion of the plate will become
sulfated.
2
The portion of the plate exposed is not usable.
3
That portion of the acid remaining becomes more
concentrated and may cause more rapid
deterioration of the remaining parts of the battery.
Keep A Relatively Clean Battery
The battery should be kept clean. Batteries filled with
acid and which are not in use self-discharge to a limited
degree because of the nature of the materials within the
battery. If dirt is allowed to collect on the top of the
battery (and this dirt absorbs moisture) and electrical
path can be set up between the various terminals of the
battery and the ground. Once such a path has been
established, the self-discharge of the battery is
accelerated. This also accelerates corrosion of the
battery cables at the terminals.
Periodic Maintenance is Needed
A definite program of periodic maintenance of all
batteries should be conducted on a regular basis.
Periodic maintenance includes:
1
Checking belts for tightness on the charging
equipment
2
Checking battery electrolyte levels
3
Checking cables for good connections
4
Cleaning where corrosion is apparent
When corrosion is cleaned off, the cable terminals and
battery terminals should be coated with a light coating
of petroleum jelly before they are replaced. When
terminals are cleaned, the top of the battery should be
cleaned with a mild solution of soda water.
MAINTBAT 9/98
MAINTENANCE OF BATTERIES
1-6.1.0.
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