Cessna 177 SERIES Service Manual

BATT~ERY HUYDROD
M TOETER
READ
INGS
The
main points
of consideration
during
a battery
charge'
BATTERY
HYDROMETER
I
tREADINGS
are excessive
battery
temperatures
and
violent
gassing.
Test the
battery
with
a hydrometer
to determine
the
BATTERY
amount
of charge.
Decrease
the charging
rate
or stop
READINGS
CONDITION
charging temporarily
if the battery
temperature
exceeds
115
0
F.
1.280 Specific
Gravity
...........
100%'
Charged
16-22.
BATTERY
BOX.
1.250
Specific
Gravity
...........
75%/0
Charged
6-23.
DESCRIPTION.
The battery
is
completely
enclosed
in an acid resistant
plastic box, which is riveted
to mount-
1.220
Specific
Gravity
...........
50%
Charged
ing
brackets
in the
tailcone.
The box
has
a vent
tube
which
protrudes
through the bottom
of the aircraft allowing
1.190
Specific
Gravity
............
25'
Charged
battery
gases
and
spilled
electrolyte
to
escape.
1.160
Specific
Gravity
.........
Practically
Dead
16-24.
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION.
(Refer to
figure 16-2.) The battery
box is riveted to
mounting
NOTE
brackets
in
the tailcone.
The
rivets
must
be
drilled
out
to remove the box.
All readings shown are for and electrolyte
temperature
of 80
°
Fahrenheit.
For
higher
16-25.
MAINTENANCE
OF
BATTERY
BOX.
The
temperatures
the readings
will
be slightly
battery
box
should be
inspected
and cleaned
periodi-
lower.
For
cooler
temperatures
the
read-
cally.
The
box and
cover
should
be cleaned
with
a
ings
will be
slightly
higher.
Some
hydrome
strong
solution
of bicarbonate
of
soda (baking
soda)
ters
will
have
a built-in
temperature
compen-
and
water.
Hard
deposits
may
be
removed
with
a
sation
chart
and
a thermometer.
If this
type
wire
brush.
When
all corrosive
deposits
have
been
tester
is used,
disregard
this
chart.
removed
from
the
box, flush
it
thoroughly
with
clean
water.
16-21. CHARGING THE BATTERY. When the battery ARNIN
is
to be charged, the level
of the electrolyte should
be
checked and adjusted
by adding
distilled water
to cover
Do not allow
acid deposits
to come in contact
the
tops of the internal
battery plates.If
the battery
is
with skin
or clothing. Serious
acid burns
24
volt there are
12 cells connected
in series as opposed
may result unless
the affected
ares is washed
to only 6 cells in the 12 volt battery. There
is a greater immediately with soap
and water. Clothing
chance for cell
damage to occur if the
battery is complet-
will be ruined upon
contact with battery
acid.
ly
discharged by leaving some
electrical system on,
such
as the master
switch or light circuits.
If this should occur,
Inspect the cleaned box
and cover for physical
damage and
the battery must be removed
from the aircraft and given for areas lacking
proper acid proofing. A badly damaged
a supplemental
charge at a constant current rate of 1.5
or corroded box should be replaced. If the box
or lid require
amps
until the terminal
charge voltage
remains constant
acid proofing,
paint the
area with acid proof
paint Part No.
for at least three consecutive
hours. If a constant
current CES 1054-529,
available from the Cessna
Parts Distribu-
charger is not available,
a constant potential charger
with tion (CPD 2).
voltage adjustment capabilities can also be utilized. With
an ammeter in series,
manually adjust
voltage of charger
16-26. BATTERY
CONTACTOR.
so that approximately
1.5 amps are
flowing at all times.
Frequent adjustment
may be necessary for the first part 16-27.
DESCRIPTION. The battery contactor is bolted
of the charge. A second alternative
of a constant potential to the side of
the battery box. The contactor is a plunger
charge
of 28.8 volts could be used, however the charging
type contactor which is actuated by turning
the master
time under this system must be 48
to 72 hours. Failure to switch on. When the
master switch is off, the battery is
utilize this charge can
leave the battery with one
or more disconnected
from the electrical system.
A silicon diode is
weak cells which will drastically
reduce service life. used to eliminate
spiking of transistorized radio equip-
Remove the battery from the aircraft
and place is a well ment. The large terminal
of the diode connects to the bat-
ventilated area for charging.
tery terminal of the battery contactor.
The small terminal
of the
diode and the master
switch wire connect to the
coil
I
WARNING
terminal
of the
battery contactor.
Nylon covers
are install-
40B--B-B--EW
ed on
the contactor
terminals to
prevent accidental
shorts.
* When a
battery is being charged,
hydrogen
and oxygen
gases are generated
Accumula-
16-28. REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION.
(Refer to
tion of these gases
can create a hazardous
figure 16-2.)
explosive
condition. Always keep sparks
a. Remove the battery box cover and disconnect
the
and open flame away from the battery.
ground cable from the negative terminal,
and pull cable
clear
of battery
box.
*
Allow unrestricted ventilation
of the battery
b. Remove the
nut, lockwasher and two
plain washers
area during
charging.
securing
the battery
cables
to the
battery
contactor.
16-6 Change8

Cessna 177 SERIES Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Cessna
Engine Type	Piston
Wingspan	35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
Seating Capacity	4
Number Built	4, 295
Engine	Lycoming O-360
Horsepower	180 hp
Maximum Takeoff Weight	2, 500 lb (1, 134 kg)