HORN BUTTON.

the finishing rate after gravity has been adjusted.

6-48.

HORN.

(5) If the corrected specific gravity of any cell

Removal.

is higher than normal (1.285) proceed as follows:

(1) Remove floor plate (para. 6-27).

(6) As the battery charges, withdraw from the

(2) Disconnect wires from horn (70. figure 7-

cell a small amount of electrolyte and replace with

2).

water. Repeat at 20 minute intervals if necessary until a

(3) Remove screws (71) and washers (72)

1.285 specific gravity reading is obtained.

holding horn to adapter and remove horn.

c. Adding Water to Battery. Add only distilled

Installation. Reverse procedures in a. above.

water or chemically analyzed and approved water from

6-49.

HORN BUTTON.

public drinking source. The proper level of electrolyte is

1/4-inch from bottom of filler neck.

a. Removal. Remove four screws (11, figure 7-

33) and lift off cover (1 3), button (12), separator (18),

CAUTION

contact (17). insulator (16), spring (15) and contact

Do not use water which has passed through a

(14).

water softener.

This water is chemically

destructive to a lead-acid battery. It is not

Installation. Reverse procedures in a. above.

equivalent to distilled water.

6-50.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE.

(1) Add water slowly. Water should be added

a. Checking Specific Gravity.

The specific

before charging to insure prompt mixing with the

gravity of the electrolyte at 77 deg F. with electrolyte at

electrolyte.

normal level and cells fully charged should be 1.265 to

(2) In sub-freezing temperatures battery must

1.285.

be put on finish charge for one hour after water has

been added.

b. Adjusting Specific Gravity. Acid or electrolyte

d. Cleaning the Battery. The entire battery and

should never be added to a cell without first being sure

battery compartment should be kept clean and dry. If

that charging will not restore the gravity. Charge should

the electrolyte has been spilled or corrosion has formed

be continued until Specific gravity when tested every

on the battery, proceed as follows:

hour for three hours shows no further rise at any cell. If,

after charge, gravity is still below normal, proceed as

(1) Add one pound of bicarbonate of soda to

follows:

one gallon of warm water. Pour solution over corrosion

(1) Put battery oil charge again at the finish

or spilled electrolyte.

rate so cells gas for thorough mixing of electrolyte.

(2) When foaming action stops, rinse off the

NOTE.

entire battery with clear water.

Never take a gravity adjustment on a cell which

CAUTION

does not gas freely on charge.

Vent plugs must be installed in cells to prevent

soda solution from getting into the cells. Do not

(2) Draw off electrolyte down to splash cover

use steam or very hot water to clean battery.

front low reading cells. Slowly pour electrolyte of 1.3000

to 1.350 specific gravity in cell to high level (1/4-inch

c. Charging the Battery.

Batteries normally

below filler neck).

discharged more than one-third of their capacity daily

CAUTION

should be recharged daily. Other batteries in use should

be charged at least once a week. Do not charge

Never use acid for higher specific gravity than

batteries more often than necessary to reduce gassing

1.350.

and water loss. Plan on recharge time for a completely

discharged battery of about eight hours, less for partially

(3) Wait twenty minutes for added electrolyte

discharged batteries. Charge as follows:

to become thoroughly mixed by gassing charge and

then read specific gravities. If the gravity of any cell is

(1) Disconnect battery leads at battery

still below normal repeat steps (1) through (3). Repeat

connector receptacle and connect charger to battery half

as many times as necessary.

of connector.

(4) Continue charging battery for one hour at

6-20