Chevrolet 10 Series 1968, Service Manual, Page: 427 / 713

ENGINE-ELECTRICAL 6Y-2
F ig . 2b—Internal V ie w of C e lls
which indicates the cranking load capacity. The Ampere-
Hour rating found on batteries was based on the 20 hour
rating. That is, a battery capable of furnishing three (3)
amperes for
20 hours while maintaining a specified
average individual cell voltage would be classified as a
60 ampere hour battery (e.g. 3 amperes X 20 hours =
60 A.H.). A PWR (Peak Watt Rating) has been developed
as a measure of the Energizer’ s cold cranking ability.
The numerical rating is embossed on each case at the
base of the Energizer. This value is determined by
multiplying the max. current by the max. voltage. The
PWR should not be confused with the ampere hour rating
since two batteries with the same ampere hour rating
can have quite different watt ratings. For battery re­
placement, a unit of at least equal power rating must be
selected.
DRY CHARGED BATTERIES
There are two types of batteries—the "dry charge”
type and the “ wet charge” type. The difference in types
depends on the method of manufacture. A “ dry charge”
battery contains fully charged elements which have been
thoroughly washed and dried. This type of battery con­
tains no electrolyte until it is activated for service in
the field and, therefore, leaves the factory in a dry state.
Consequently, it is called a “ dry charge” battery.
Each vent well in a “ dry charge” battery has an
integral hard rubber seal to prevent the entrance of air
and moisture which would oxidize the negative active
materials and reduce the freshness of the battery (fig.
3b). The integral hard rubber seals and the sealing
compound between the case and one-piece cell cover
make possible a vacuum sealed assembly which can be
stored for very long periods of time without detrimental
effects.
VENT WELL -v
r
SEAL
SPLIT VENT
F ig . 3b—Vent W ell Construction
Before activating the “ dry charge” battery, the inte­
gral hard rubber seals may be broken simply by pushing
the Delco Eye down into each vent well. The seals drop
into the cells, and can remain there since they are not
chemically active and will cause no harm. (The Delco
Eye is a special type of vent plug that is described in the
section entitled “ Periodic Servicing” .)
ACTIVATING DRY CHARGED BATTERIES
A “ dry charge” battery is activated by filling each
cell with electrolyte, which is a dilute solution of sulfuric
acid having a specific gravity of 1.265 at 80°F. The cells
are properly filled when the electrolyte level reaches the
bottom of the “ split vent” at the bottom of the vent well.
The split vent is a visual level fill feature designed into
the cell cover of Delco Batteries (fig. 4b). The electro­
lyte surface will appear distorted when it contacts the
split vent.
The electrolyte level of each cell should be checked
after filling the battery initially. If the level has fallen
below the split vent, additional electrolyte should be
added. NEVER ADD WATER TO THE ELECTROLYTE
WHEN ACTIVATING BATTERY.
Long and trouble-free service can be anticipated only
if the battery is properly activated. Improper activation
F ig . 4b —V iew Inside Vent W ell
CHEVROLET TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL