OPERATION
Falcon
t
Ultra B (07--05)
16
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Fire Or Explosion Hazard.
Batteries Emit Hydrogen Gas. Keep Sparks And
Open Flame Away. Keep Battery Compartment
Open When Charging.
FOR SAFETY: When servicing machine, wear
protective gloves and eye protection when
handling batteries and battery cables. Avoid
contact with battery acid.
1. Always follow proper charging instructions (See
CHARGING BATTERIES).
2. Check the electrolyte level (A) in each battery cell
after charging batteries
. The level should be
approximately 1 cm from the bottom of the fill--port
(B). Add distilled water if needed (Figure 26)
DO NOT OVERFILL.
A
B
FIG. 26
3. Measuring the specific gravity using a hydrometer
is a way to determine the charge level, and
condition of the batteries (Figure 27). If one or
more of the battery cells test lower than the other
battery cells (0.050 or more), the cell is damaged,
shorted, or is about to fail.
FIG. 27
NOTE:
Do not take readings immediately after adding
distilled water. If the water and acid are not thoroughly
mixed, the readings may not be accurate. Check the
hydrometer readings against the following chart to
determine the remaining battery charge level:
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
at 27
°
C
BATTERY
CHARGE
1.265
100% CHARGED
1.223
75% CHARGED
1.185
50% CHARGED
1.148
25% CHARGED
1.110
DISCHARGED
NOTE:
If the readings are taken when the battery
electrolyte is any temperature other than 27
_
C, the
reading must be temperature corrected. Add or
subtract to the specific gravity reading 0.004, 4 points,
for each 6
_
C above or below 27
_
C.
4. Keep battery tops and terminals clean and dry.
To clean batteries:
a. Mix a strong solution of baking soda and water
(Figure 28).
FIG. 28
b. Brush solution sparingly over battery tops,
terminal and cable connectors.
NOTE:
Do not allow baking soda solution to enter
battery cells.
c. Use wire brush to clean terminal post and
cable connections.
d. After cleaning, apply a coating of clear battery
post protectant to terminals and cable
connections.
5. Check for loose or worn cables. Replace if worn.
