Section 7. Component Procedures Model 8210/8250 Maintenance Manual
Lead Acid Battery Electrical Components
7-44 Publication: 1146945/001, Revised: 25 Sep 2018
conducting path to short-circuit cells or
create grounds.
Do not use soda solution to clean the top
of the battery while it is installed in the
truck. Water can seep into the electrical
compartments and cause serious
damage.
7. Tighten the battery filler plugs.
8. Wash dirty batteries (or any that have had
electrolyte spilled on them) with a solution
of 1 lb. (0.45 kg) of baking soda added to
1/2 gal (1.9 liters) of hot water.
9. Use a brush with flexible bristles to clean
the entire top of the battery with the soda
solution. Wait until all foaming stops,
indicating that the battery exterior is
neutralized.
10. Rinse the battery with clean water.
11. Dry the battery completely before
re-installing it.
12. Reinstall the battery in the truck, using a
suitable battery moving device. Reconnect
the battery connector.
13. Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the
battery posts and cable terminals.
To Charge a Battery
To charge a battery, direct current is passed
through the battery cells in the direction
opposite to that of discharge. Charging time is
5% to 20% longer than discharge time.
The most important element in battery service
and prolonging battery life is correct charging.
Make sure you follow the approved method for
each application, following the battery and
battery charger manufacturer’s instructions.
The vent holes in the filler plugs must be
open to permit hydrogen gas to escape
from the cells. When you charge the
battery, make sure the polarity
connections are correct. The positive
lead of the charger must be connected to
the positive terminal, and the negative
lead must be connected to the negative
terminal.
1. Familiarize yourself with the following:
• Charging rate, starting rate, and finish
rate
• Time available for charge
• Overheating, excessive gassing, or
overcharging
• Variations between cell voltage
2. Battery performance varies depending on
the type of application. If you use more
than one truck, one battery, and one
charger, keep the same batteries and
charger assigned to each truck. This
makes it easier to diagnose any battery or
charging problem.
3. Consult your battery and battery charger
manufacturer’s manual for specific
charging procedures.
4. Wear personal protective equipment. See
“Lead Acid Battery Safety” on page 2-5.
5. If equipped with the optional keypad,
press the red OFF ( O ) key. Place the Main
ON/OFF Switch in the OFF position.
Disconnect the battery connector from the
truck.
6. Inspect the battery.
7. For wet cell batteries, examine the
electrolyte level in each cell. Electrolyte
must cover the top of the battery plates. If
electrolyte level is below the plates, add
just enough water to cover the plates. Do
not fill to level yet. Electrolyte level
increases during charging. See “To Add
Water to a Battery” on page 7-45.
8. Using a hydrometer, measure and record
the specific gravity of each cell. See
“Battery Specific Gravity” on page 7-46.
9. Measure and record the voltage of each
cell.
10. To get the maximum use out of each
battery, recharge only when effectively
discharged. Routinely recharging batteries
when only partially discharged decreases
battery life. At maximum recommended
Property of American Airlines
To Next Page
Loading...