Chevrolet Light Duty Truck 1973, Service Manual

Page: 536 / 979

6 Y - 8 E N G IN E E L E C TR IC A L
CHARGING GUIDE
RECOMMENDED RATE* AND TIME FOR FULLY DISCHARGED CONDITION
CAUTION: EXERCISE CARE WHEN ATTACHING CHARGER LEADS TO SIDE TERMINAL STUDS TO AVOID CONTACT WITH
VEHICLE METAL COMPONENTS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE ENERGIZER.
Watt Rating 5 Amperes 10 Amperes
20 Amperes 30 Amperes 40 Amperes 50 Amperes
Below 2450
10 Hours 5 Hours 2-1 /2 Hours
2 Hours
2450-2950 12 Hours
6
Hours 3 Hours
2 Hours
1-1/2 Hours
Above 2950
15 Hours 7-1/2 Hours 3-1/4 Hours
2 Hours 1 -3/4 Hours
1-1/2 Hours
*Initial rate for constant voltage taper rate charger.
To avoid damage, charging rate must be reduced or temporarily halted if:
1. Electrolyte temperature exceeds 125°F.
2. Violent gassing or spewing of electrolyte occurs.
Battery is fully charged when over a two hour period at a low charging rate in amperes all cells are gassing freely and no change
in specific gravity occurs. For the most satisfactory charging, the lower charging rates in amperes are recommended.
Full charge specific gravity is 1.260-1.280 corrected for temperature with electrolyte level at split ring.
Fig. 14b—Charging Lead Adapters
TESTING PROCEDURES
Testing procedures are used to determine whether the
battery is (
1
) good and usable, (
2
) requires recharging or
(3) should be replaced. Analysis of battery conditions
can be accomplished by performing a visual inspection,
instrument test and the full charge hydrometer test.
Refer to test procedure chart in this section.
Visual Inspection
The first step in testing the battery should be a visual
inspection, which very often will save time and expense
in determining battery condition.
• Check the outside of the battery for a broken or
cracked case or a broken or cracked cover. If any
damage is evident, the battery should be replaced.
LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL