Battery Maintenance Rules

GENERAL INFORMATION.

If you want to maintain battery performance for

the longest possible period of time, observe the following rules:

– With the engine off, turn off all electrical accessories in the vehicle.

– Disconnect the battery from the vehicle's electrical system starting with the negative cable.

– Every 15–20 days (every 2,500 km) wipe the battery clean to prevent self-discharge. For the same reason, eliminate electrolyte leaks and insulate the hold-down frame from the body.

– The battery must be securely mounted in the vehicle. Make sure the cable clamps are firmly secured to the battery terminals, otherwise

an explosion is possible.

– The battery may operate continuously in starter mode for no more than 15 seconds; the interval between cycles must be at least 60 seconds.

– Periodically check the voltage output of the relay

regulator with a voltmeter. Readings must be taken directly at the battery terminals

with the engine running and warm. The voltage must be within the range of 13.8 to 14.5 volts.

– On serviceable batteries, check the

electrolyte level and density every 3,000 km. The electrolyte level is checked by the special mark on transparent cases, or with a special glass tube on opaque cases. Electrolyte should cover the top edge of the plates by 10–15 mm.

plates. Electrolyte density is checked with a hydrometer. If the density drops below 1.23 g/cm³ in winter or 1.19 g/cm³ in summer, recharging is required.

– Even if the alternator and voltage regulator are serviceable and the electrolyte level is normal, recharging with a battery charger is required once a month in winter and

every 6 months in other seasons.

– A battery filled with electrolyte may be stored only fully charged; in this case

electrolyte density must be checked once a month.

Some tips.

– Charge the battery with a current equal to exactly 0.1 of its rated capacity. For example, a 50 Ah battery must be charged with a current of 5 A

with the filler caps removed.

– Do not add electrolyte with a specific gravity above 1.28 g/cm³. Attempting in this way to increase starting current will quickly damage the battery. For the same reason, electrolyte level may be brought up to the normal level only with distilled water.

the level should only be topped up with distilled water.

– On an opaque serviceable battery, the electrolyte level can be measured with a hollow glass tube, closing one end with a finger. The height of the liquid column in the tube in the 'sample' corresponds to the height of the electrolyte above the top edge of the plates.

height of the liquid column inside the tube corresponds to the height of the electrolyte above the top edge of the plates.

– Remove electrolyte leaks or neutralize the possibility of

electrolyte contact with surrounding objects; this can be done with a 10%

ammonia or soda solution.

Operating a discharged battery is not permitted, especially in winter.

In a discharged battery the water content of the electrolyte is too high. The electrolyte may freeze and damage the battery case. Do not attempt to charge a frozen battery with high current or start the vehicle from an external

source. Allow the battery to thaw, then try to restore it by

charging with low current, and it may still be serviceable..

A crack in the case of a serviceable battery is not always a reason to replace it..

Drain the electrolyte, dry and wash the crack with gasoline, then file it. Mix the filings produced when preparing the crack with

epoxy adhesive or filler. Thoroughly fill the crack with the resulting compound.

crack. After this procedure, add electrolyte no earlier than 24 hours later.