Battery - Alternaotor Fan Contacts Battery

Article No. 85-15-1


BATTERY - INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN CASE AND ALTERNATOR FAN ON VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINE


FORD 1984 LTD, THUNDERBIRD, MUSTANG

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1984 MARQUIS, COUGAR, CAPRI

Due to front apron sheet metal irregularities, clearance between the battery case and alternator fan may not be sufficient. This may cause the alternator fan to contact the battery during engine roll. The procedure outlined below is recommended to resolve this condition prior to any battery replacement.

1. Disconnect battery.
a) Remove negative cable first.
b) Remove positive cable.

2. Remove battery. Be careful not to spill battery acid through the hole in battery case if contact was made with alternator fan.

3. Clean the battery tray and any area contaminated by battery acid. Flush with water. (Rubber gloves, apron, and eye protection are recommended for this procedure).

4. Remove the three attaching screws from battery tray.

5. Remove battery tray.

Figure 1 - Battery Tray:

6. Install a .250" thickness shim or washer to raise the inboard leg of the battery tray (see Figure 1).
7. Reinstall the three attaching screws, bottom screw first to secure shim in place.

8. Position the replacement battery in the center of the tray and engage outboard case ribs in the tray slots. This ensures that the battery is at the maximum distance from the alternator fan.

9. Connect battery cables.
a) Attach positive cable first.
b) Attach negative cable.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.
OPERATION: SP10732A85
TIME: 0.6 Hr. DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 10732 - Code: 36