Opel 1900 1973, Service Manual

Page: 25 / 625

4 1 9 7 3 O P E L S E R V I C E M A N U A L
gravity corrected to 80 degrees F.’ shows more than
a thirty point
drop from the initial tilling with
electrolyte, or if one or more violently
addition of electrolyte, the batteiy should be
charged before use.
3. For best performance in cold weather (32 degrees
F. or less), or if the battery and the electrolyte are not
at 60 degrees F., or above at time of activation, warm
the battery by boost charging.
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
BATTERY AND CABLES. DIAGNOSIS
Quick Check of Battery and Cables
Whenever electrical
trouble
it is
to make a quick check of the battery and cables to
make certain that this source of current is in good
condition, securely connected, and is functioning
properly. This check will also give a good check on
the cranking system.
1. Turn on the lights. They steadily and
with normal brilliance.
2. With lights burnings, operate the cranking motor.
Either have the headlights shining on a wall so their
brilliance can be noted, or have someone watching
the headlights.
3. When cranking motor solenoid switch is
one of the following conditions will occur; (1) Lights
will stay bright or will dim slightly if temperature is
cold, and engine will be cranked at normal speed;
Lights will out; (3) Lights will considerably;
(4) Lights will stay bright but no cranking action
take place. The first named condition indicates that
nothing is wrong with the battery, cables, and crank-
ing system. The other conditions indicate trouble
follows:
4. If as cranking motor solenoid switch
is closed, it indicates a poor connection in the circuit
between battery and cranking motor. Check battery
cables and clean and tighten loose or corroded termi-
nals.
5. If dim considerably
as cranking motor
solenoid switch is closed, it indicates that the battery
is run down, or there is a condition in cranking
tor or engine which causes an excessive current drain
on the battery. A
low battery
will be indicated by ,a
clattering noise in cranking motor solenoid because
the battery cannot sustain the voltage required to
hold solenoid plunger “in” after switch contacts
close and the “pull in” winding is shorted out.
Test battery with a 421 Battery Test. If battery
found to be in good condition check cranking motor.
6. stay bright but cranking action occurs
when cranking motor solenoid switch is closed, it
indicates an open circuit in cranking motor, switch,
or control circuit.
Testing Resistance of Cables and Terminal
Connections
Battery
cables
and terminal connections may be
tested with equipment comprising of a voltmeter (5
volts maximum), ammeter of 300 or more amperes
capacity, and carbonpile rheostat having a minimum
capacity of 300 amperes connected in series with the
ammeter.
Adjust rheostat to provide maximum resistance
(“OFF” position).
2. Connect ammeter positive lead to post on starting
motor. Connect ammeter negative lead to one side of
rheostat and connect other side of rheostat to ground
on engine, preferably at point where battery ground
strap is attached. In the instrument shown in Figure
the ammeter and rheostat are connected in
series inside the case.
3. Connect voltmeter negative lead to post on start-
ing motor. Use prod with voltmeter lead, if neces-
sary, to insure direct contact with the terminal stud.
Do not connect to the ammeter lead clip.
Attach a
prod to voltmeter position lead and apply the prod
to center of battery positive post (Figure
Make sure that clips of voltmeter leads have clean
metal contact with prods.
Figure Battery Cable Test Connections
4. Adjust rheostat until ammeter reads 200 amperes,
immediately read voltmeter, then turn rheostat to
starting (“OFF”) position to avoid excessive drain on
battery.
Voltage drop across battery positive cable