Opel 1900 1973, Service Manual, Page: 24 / 625

BATTERY AND CABLES ALL MODELS
3
lost as the result of charging and discharging, and it
must be replaced before the electrolyte level falls to
the the separators. If the water is not replaced
and the plates become exposed, they may become
permanently sulphated, which would impair the
of the plates. Also, the plates cannot take
full in the battery action unless they are com-
pletely covered by the electrolyte.
Importance of Keeping Battery Properly Charged
The battery has three major functions: (1) It provides
a source of energy for cranking the engine. (2) It acts
as a stabilizer to the voltage in the electrical system.
(3) It for a limited time furnish energy when the
demand: of the electrical units in operation exceed
the output of the generator.
In for the battery to continue to function, it is
that current withdrawal from the battery
be balanced by current input from the generator so
that the battery is maintained in a properly charged
If the outgo exceeds the input, the battery
will discharged so that it suffi-
cient energy.
The state of charge of the battery as well as the
temperature of the electrolyte has an important bear-
ing on its capacity for supplying energy. Battery
ciency is greatly reduced by decreased electrolyte
as it has a decided numbing effect on its
action. Under high discharge such
as cranking, battery voltage drops to lower values in
cold temperatures than in warm temperatures.
In cold climates it is important to keep
in a nearly full charged condition to avoid
the possibility of freezing, which will damage any
battery!
The following table shows the temperatures at which
freezing will occur in electrolytes of
densi-
ties, specific gravity corrected to 80 degrees
Specific Gravity Freezing Point
1.220 -35 degrees F.
1.200 degrees F.
1.160 degrees F.
Care of Dry Batteries in Storage
A “dry charge” battery contains fully charged posi-
tive
negative plates but no electrolyte.
Dry charged batteries should be stored in a dry place
away
from
excessive
heat. A dry charged
battery
should kept in its original carton until ready to be
put into service. This type of battery will retain its
“charged” condition indefinitely if protected from
moisture. Dry batteries may be stacked in vertical
columns provided they are not stacked more than
four high.
Preparing Dry Charged Batteries For Service
To prepare “dry charge”
batteries
for service use
approved battery-grade acid electrolyte (1.265 sp.
at 80
degrees
F). Care should be exercised in its use
to prevent bodily
injury
or damage to clothing or
other material resulting from actual contact with the
electrolyte.
Electrolyte should be added to dry charged batteries
in an area where water is readily available for flush-
ing in case the electrolyte comes into contact with the
body. Refer to instructions on side of electrolyte con-
tainer for antidotes to use if electrolyte comes into
contact with the body.
It is strongly recommended that a person filling bat-
teries with electrolyte wear glasses (preferably safety
glasses) to prevent possible damage to the eyes
should any spattering of the electrolyte occur.
Remove dry charged battery from its original car-
ton.
2. Remove the vent plugs.
3. Using a glass or acid-proof plastic funnel, each
battery cell with electrolyte.
Do not use a metal
funnel for filling the battery.
The cell is properly
tilled when the electrolyte level rises to the split ring
at the bottom of the vent well. Do not overfill or
Overfilling will cause acid corrosion in the
area; will cause early battery
4. After tilling cells, wait to ten minutes and add
additional electrolyte, if necessary, to bring the elec-
trolyte to the proper level.
5. Never finish tilling a dry charge battery with wa-
ter. If electrolyte is spilled, more electrolyte must be
obtained.
Test After Batteries Prepared For Service
The Delco Dry Charge Battery may be put into ser-
vice immediately after activation. However, to insure
good battery performance, the following activation
tests are recommended:
1. After adding electrolyte,, check the open circuit
voltage. Less than 10 volts a reverse cell or
an open circuit and the battery should be replaced.
2.
Check the specific gravity of all cells. If the specific