Battery: Description and Operation
BATTERY
The battery has three major functions in the electrical system.
1. It is a source of electrical energy for cranking the engine.
2. It acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system.
3. It can, for a limited time, provide energy when the electrical load exceeds the output of the generator.
Each new vehicle shipped from the factory is fitted with the following battery.
Model: 85-72, 26R-50S
Rated capacity: 48 AH/5HR, 38 AH/5HR, 12V
COMMON CAUSES OF FAILURE
A battery is not designed to last indefinitely; however, with proper care, it will provide many years of service. If the battery performs satisfactorily during test but fails to operate properly for no apparent reason, the following are some factors that may point to the cause of trouble:
1. Accessories left on overnight or for an extended period without the generator operating.
2. Slow average driving speeds for short periods.
3. Electrical load exceeding generator output particularly with addition of after market equipment.
4. Defects in charging system such as high resistance, slipping drive belt, loose generator output terminal, faulty generator or voltage regulator.
5. Battery abuse, including failure to keep battery cable terminals clean and tight or loose battery cable terminals clean and tight or loose battery hold down.
6. Mechanical problems in electrical system such as shorted or pinched wires.
CARRIER AND HOLD-DOWN
The battery carrier should be in good condition so that it will support the battery securely and keep it level.
Before installing the battery the battery carrier and hold-down clamp should be clean and free from corrosion and make certain there are no parts in carrier.
To prevent the battery from shaking in its carrier, the hold-down bolts should be tight enough but not over-tightened.
BUILT-IN INDICATOR
The battery has a built-in temperature compensated indicator in the top of the battery. This indicator is to be used with the following diagnostic procedure. When checking the indicator, make sure that the battery has a clean top. A light may be needed in some poorly-lit areas.
Three types of indication available under normal operation are as follows.
1. Green Dot
Battery is sufficiently charged for testing.
2. Dark
Battery must be charged before testing.
If there is a cranking complaint, battery should be tested as described in Diagnosis. Charging and electrical systems should also be checked at this time.
3. Clear or Light Yellow
This means that fluid level is below the bottom of hydrometer. Its possible cause is excessive or prolonged charging, a broken case, excessive tipping or normal battery deterioration.
When the battery is found in such condition, it is possible that high charging voltage is caused by the faulty charging system and therefore, charging and electrical systems need to be checked. If there is a trouble in cranking and its cause lies in the battery, it should be replaced.
SULFATION
If the battery is allowed to stand for a long period in discharged condition, the lead sulfate becomes converted into a hard, crystalline substance, which will not easily turn back to the active material again during the subsequent recharging. "Sulfation" means the result as well as the process of that reaction.
Such a battery can be revived by very slow charging and may be restored to usable condition but its capacity is lower than before.
ELECTROLYTE FREEZING
The freezing point of electrolyte depends on its specific gravity. Since freezing may ruin a battery, it should be protected against freezing by keeping it in a fully charged condition. If a battery is frozen accidentally, it should not be charged until it is warmed.