B
BATTERIES AND CHARGING
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
47
Repair and Service Manual
634756
Fig. 2 Water Purity Table
Even if the water is colorless, odorless, tasteless and fit
for drinking, the water should be analyzed to see that it
does not exceed the impurity levels specified in the table.
Automatic watering devices such as the one included in
the Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587-G01) can be
used with an approved water source (Ref. Fig. 3). These
watering devices are fast and accurate to use and main-
tain the correct electrolyte level within the battery cells.
.
Fig. 3 Automatic Watering Gun
The watering device should only be used if the electro-
lyte level is less than 1/2" (13 mm) above top of plates.
Cleaning Batteries
When cleaning the outside of the batteries and terminals,
do not use a water hose without first spraying with a solu-
tion of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water to
neutralize any acid deposits.
Use of a water hose without first neutralizing any acid, will
move acid from the top of the batteries to another area of
the vehicle or storage facility where it will attack the metal
structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. After hosing down
the batteries, a residue will be left on the batteries which
is conductive and will contribute to the discharge of the
batteries.
To prevent battery damage, be sure that all battery
caps are tightly installed.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and
sides of the batteries with a solution of sodium bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) and water. This solution is best applied
with a garden type sprayer equipped with a non-metallic
spray wand. The solution should consist of 1/4 cup (60
ml) of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with 1-1/2
gallons (6 liters) of clear water (Ref. Fig. 4). In addition to
the batteries, special attention should be paid to metallic
components adjacent to the batteries which should also
be sprayed with the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
solution.
Fig. 4 Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes; use a
soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the batteries
in order to remove any residue that could cause the self
discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low
pressure clear water. All of the items required for com-
plete battery cleaning and watering are contained in the
Battery Maintenance Kit (P/N 25587-G01).
Cleaning should take place once a month, or more often
under extreme conditions.
Valve consistently fills
to a predetermined
level
Electrolyte Level
Pure Water
Watering device similar to the type included
in the Battery Maintenance Kit
Single Battery Cell
1-1/2 Gal. (6 L) Water
Non-Metalic Wand
1/4 Cup (60 ML)
Baking Soda
2 Gal. (8 L)
Garden Sprayer
(1-1/2 Gal. (6 L)
Baking Soda Solution
