BATTERIES
BATTERY
CARE
To increase battery life, the operator can perform a
numberof routine checks and some preventive main-
tenance.
1.
Keep the battery case clean and dry.
2.
Make sure the battery cable connections are
clean and tight. Use a terminal puller when re-
moving cables for any reason.
3. Coat the battery terminals with a mineral grease
or petroleum jelly to reduce corrosion and oxida-
tion.
4.
Identify each battery cable to be positive or nega-
tive before making any connection. Always
con-
nect the ground (negative) cable last.
5. Maintain the electrolyte level by adding water
(drinking quality or better) as needed for filling to
split level marker. (The water ingredient of the
electrolyte evaporates, but the sulphuric acid
ingredient remains. Therefore, add water, not
electrolyte).
6. Avoid overcharging when recharging. Stop the
boost charge when the specifc gravity is 1.260
and the electrolyte is 80°F (26.7
0
C).
BATTERIES
AND
BATTERY
CABLES
In order for the electric generating set to crank
effi-
ciently under various operating conditions, the bat-
tery and battery cables must be correctly chosen and
installed.
Before selecting a battery, be sure the
installation area is compatible and properly de-
signed.
The compartment for the battery must
provide:
1.
Rigid mounting support.
2.
A location where accidental acid spills or leaks
won't damage set, battery cables, etc.
3. Provide a minimum of 2 square inches at top and
2 square inches at bottom of battery for ventila-
tion purposes.
4.
Battery cable entry points should be sealed
(vapor tight) if they enter or pass through living
area.
CAUTION
WARNING
Mount the battery in a separate compartment
from the set or any spark-producing device to
simultaneously.
Never disconnect the battery with either
engine running and never crank both engines
BATTERY
CABLES
For reliable starting, voltage drop from the battery
terminals to the exciter cranking windings ofthe
gen-
erator should not exceed 0.12 volts per 100 amperes
of break-away current while cranking. Disconnect
lead to fuel solenoid during test to prevent set from
starting.
Measure voltage at battery terminals and at
start solenoid terminal while cranking. Connect the
battery negative to ground with the same size cable
as used for battery positive.
Be sure the frame connection (major frame member if
possible) is sufficient to minimize resistance. Try to
avoid a connection at a weld or mechanical joint.
For short distances, one negative battery cable can
be used between set and battery rather then separate
cables to chassis ground.
The 12.0RDJC draws 475 amperes of cranking current.
The break-away current is approximately 715 amperes.
The charging current varies from 2-5 amperes depend-
ing on battery condition (state of charge).
For additional information on installation contact
your Onan Service Representative.
Onan recommends using a separate battery for operation of the
generator in addition to the regular vehicle starting battery.
^ARNIN^^
Do not
disconnect battery cables from bat-
tery while generator set is cranking or
run-
ning;
sparks may cause an explosion.
TABLE 1. MINIMUM 12 VOLT BATTERY SIZE*
(OR USE 2-6 VOLT BATTERIES IN SERIES)
Above 32°F(0
o
C)
Above 0°F (-18° C)
BCI Group 2
565 Cold Cranking Amps
BCI Group 5D
800 Cold Cranking Amps
prevent fire or explosion.
'Larger capacity batteries may be required if battery is also used to
power other coach accessories.
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