GENERAL
The battery is of the “clean-top” pattern, having sub-merged intercell connectors to minimise the risk of corrosion.
The battery is located in the luggage compartment.
Batteries are supplied “dry-charged”, that is with the cells in a charged condition and without electrolyte. Details of preparing “dry-charged” batteries are given in a later paragraph.
MAINTENANCE
Battery maintenance comprises regular Inspection and servicing.
1. Keep the battery and its surroundings clean and dry. Give particular attention to the top of the battery to prevent electrical leakage between the terminals.
2. Remove the vent plugs and tube, and see that the vent holes are unrestricted.
3. Check the electrolyte level and top up, when necessary. The correct level is just to the top surface of the separator guard. Do not over-fill or acid will escape through the vent holes and tube.
4. The use of a Battery Filler will be found helpful in this topping-up process, as It ensures that the correct electrolyte level Is automatically obtained and also prevents distilled water from being spilled over the top of the battery.
5. Distilled water must always be used for topping-up; in an emergency, however, drinking water, clean rainwater or melted snow may be used. The follow-ing waters must not be used salt water, chlorinated water, chemically softened water or stagnant water.
CAUTION—Never use a flaked flame when examining a battery, as the mixture of oxygen and hydrogen given off by the battery when on charge, and to a lesser extent when standing idle, can be dangerously explosive.
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6. If a battery is found to need an excessive amount of topping-up, the cause must be sought. If an ex-cessive charge is suspected, check the regulator setting. If one cell in particular is at fault, examine the container for cracks.
Note—Never transfer electrolyte from one cell to another.
7. When fitting the connectors to the battery, first smear the hole of the connector with silicone grease and push on the connector by hand.
8. If the connectors are fitted dry, and driven home with too much force, they may be difficult to remove at a later date. Do not overtighten the pinch bolt of the connector.
9. Examine the earth connection to ensure that it is clean and free from rust or corrosion.
10. Measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell in turn, with a hydrometer. The reading given by each cell should be approximately the same; if one cell differs appreciably from the others, an internal fault in the cell is indicated. This will probably be confirmed by the heavy discharge test described later.
11. The appearance of the electrolyte drawn into the hydrometer when taking a reading gives a useful indication of the state of the plates; if it is very dirty, or contains small particles In suspension, it is possible that the plates are a in bad condition.
12. Check the specific gravity of the electrolyte (Refer to Fig. 1) as an indication of the state of charge of the battery using a hydrometer.
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