BSA D14/4 BANTAM SUPREME D14/4 BANTAM SPORTS, Workshop Manual

Page: 89 / 120

D14/4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM G3
Remember that a positive earth wiring system is
employed on the bantam series and ensure that the
battery is connected correctly,
i.e., with the positive
(+) side of the battery connected to earth.
The coloured lead must be connected to the battery
negative (—) terminal and the translucent (earth) lead
to the battery positive (+) terminal.
Table “A”
Specific Gravity of Electrolyte
for Filling the Battery
U.K. and Climates
normally below
80°F. (26·6°C.)
Tropical Climates
over
80°F. (26·6°C.)
Filling Fully charged Filling Fully charged
1·260 1·270—1·290 1·210 1·210—1·230
To obtain a specific gravity strength of 1·260 at
60°F. (15·5°C.), add one part by volume of 1·840
specific acid to 3·2 parts of distilled water.
To obtain a specific gravity strength of 1·210 at
60°F. (15·5°C.), add one part by volume of 1·840
specific acid to 4·3 parts of distilled water.
Table “B”
Maximum Permissible Electrolyte
Temperature During Charge
Climates normally
below
80°F. (26·6°C.)
Climates normally
above
80°F. (26·6°C.)
During charging, keep the electrolyte in each cell
level with the top of the separator guard by adding
distilled water —
not acid.
Routine Maintenance
Every 1,000 miles (1,600 km.) or monthly, or more
regularly in hot climates, the battery should be cleaned
as follows.
To gain access to the battery first take off the
dualseat as detailed on page D8.
Remove the battery cover and clean the battery top.
Examine the terminals: if they are corroded scrape
them clean and smear them with a film of petroleum
jelly, or with a silicone grease. Remove the vent plugs
and check that the vent holes are clear and that the
rubber washer fitted under each plug is in good
condition.
The level of the electrolyte in each cell should be
checked weekly or every 250 miles. Add distilled
water until the electrolyte level reaches the top of the
separator guard.
Great care should be taken when carrying out these
operations not to spill any acid or allow a naked flame
near the electrolyte. The mixture of oxygen and
hydrogen given off by a battery on charge, and to a
lesser extent when standing idle, can be dangerously
explosive.
The readings obtained from the battery electrolyte
should be compared with those given in table “A”
opposite. If a battery is suspected to be faulty it is
advisable to have it checked by a Lucas depot or
agent.
A lead-acid battery slowly loses its charge whilst
standing — the rate of loss being greater in hot
climates. If a battery is not being used, it is important
to give it freshening charges at the appropriate re-
charge rate. These should be given fortnightly in
temperate climates and weekly in the tropics.
100°F. (38°C.) 120°F. (49°C.)