Crown Battery 18-13USI413

- Test batteries using three testing instruments

- The specific gravity and open circuit voltage readings are normally in direct proportion to each other; consequently, a voltmeter or hydrometer can be used to check the battery

- The use of the voltmeter is a faster method of approximating the individual cell state of charge and can reduce dramatically the time required for routine battery checking. When using the voltmeter method, take specific gravity readings on the two cells having the highest and lowest voltage readings

- This will confirm both cells state of charge and accurately pinpoint the difference in the state of charge between them. The voltmeter is used when on‐charge or on‐discharge voltage readings are needed

- A battery thermometer is read like a normal thermometer. A proper thermometer should have specific gravity correction marked on its scale

- The hydrometer has an extra‐long scale to make readings more accurate. For ease of correcting for temperature, the specific gravity corrections are marked on the scale of the thermometer. The cell tester (voltmeter) has a 1.5 to 3.0 volt scale and an easy‐to‐handle, one‐piece terminal probe;

Warning: This procedure requires trained personnel!

Enter the current battery charge in amperes

If the charger is rated higher than the connector on the battery, proceed with the following modifications

After modifications, adjust the charger settings

Enter the new battery charge in amperes

Sign off on the battery opportunity charging

- A capacity test enables you to determine the capacity a battery actually delivers as compared to its rated capacity. This test can help determine if a battery should be repaired or replaced. When a battery delivers less than 80% of its rated capacity, the remaining capacity will decrease with each additional cycle

- It should be replaced before its cells fail and cause low-voltage operation of the vehicle, which can cause damage to the trucks electrical system

- A capacity test is performed by discharging a fully charged battery at a fixed rate (see chart on page 30) while monitoring specific test conditions, methods and procedures

- The six-hour rated discharge time is based on an electrolyte temperature of 77°F (25°C). Any deviation to that temperature, a correction to the six-hour rated time must be made

PROCEDURES FOR CAPACITY DISCHARGING:

1) Battery must be fully charged.

2) Specific gravities must be at manufacturers specifications, otherwise they must be adjusted accordingly.

3) Battery should be allowed to cool down prior to testing. Ideally, the temperature should be 75°F to 85°F. Otherwise the voltages will be affected by the temperature and the capacity must be temperature corrected.

4) Battery should be discharged within 24 hours of completion of charging and acid adjustment.

CAUTION: ONLY EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL SHOULD ATTEMPT BATTERY REPAIRS!

BEFORE PERFORMING ANY REPAIRS, REMOVE THE BATTERY FROM THE LIFT TRUCK. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES AND A FACE SHIELD WHEN WORKING ON OR NEAR BATTERIES

- Lead Acid Motive Power Batteries can become unbalanced or sulfated if they are not recharged or equalize charged on a regular basis

Likewise over-discharging or unbalanced discharge can cause low uneven cell voltages. The treatment for restoring the battery to its full potential involves charging and discharging the battery in a very tightly controlled manor

This is a last resort remedy in order to salvage a battery that's been allowed to get into this condition. This may or may not be successful, as sulfate is extremely hard to remove from the cell plates and if let in this condition, may not be reversible

A. Charge the battery as normal to a fully charged condition.

B. Record all individual cell voltages and specific gravities. These readings will be used later to measure how successtul the treatment was.

C. Starting with a cool (less than 80°F) fully charged battery, charge the battery at 2.5 amps per 100 amps of battery capacity. A 24-85FC-21 has a capacity of 850 A.H. Therefore the charge rate would be 21 amps. Charge the battery for at least 24 hours. Stop the charge, if the battery temperature goes to 120°F or higher.

A. Let the battery cool back down to about 80°F