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TP-7092 2/21 69Section 4 Scheduled Maintenance
Refer to this section for general battery information and
maintenance. Also consult the battery manufacturer’s
instructions for battery maintenance.
All generator set models use a negative ground with a
12-volt engine electrical system. Consult the generator
set nameplate for the engine electrical system voltage.
Consult the generator spec sheet for battery size and
capacity recommendations for replacement purposes.
Wiring diagrams provide battery connection
information. See Figure 4-10 for typical battery
connections.
EZ-273000-J
1
2
1. To positive (+) terminal on starter solenoid.
2. To ground (- ) terminal on or near starter motor.
Figure 4-10 12-Volt Engine Electrical System Single
Starter Motor, Typical Battery Connection
4.7.1 Cleaning the Battery
Clean the battery and cables and tighten battery
terminals using the service schedule recommendations.
To prevent corrosion, maintain tight, dry electrical
connections at the battery terminals. To remove
corrosion from battery terminals, disconnect the cables
from the battery and scrub the terminals with a wire
brush. Clean the battery and cables with a solution of
baking soda and water. After cleaning, flush the battery
and cables with clean water and wipe them with a dry,
lint-free cloth.
After reconnecting the battery cables, coat the battery
terminals with petroleum jelly, silicone grease, or other
nonconductive grease.
4.7.2 Checking Electrolyte Level
Check the electrolyte level of batteries with filler caps
monthly. Remove filler caps and verify that electrolyte
level reaches bottom of filler holes. Refill as necessary
with distilled water. DO NOT add fresh electrolyte.
Tighten all filler caps. If water is added during freezing
temperatures, run the generator set for 20- 30 minutes
to mix the electrolyte and water to prevent battery
damage from freezing.
4.7.3 Checking Specific Gravity
Use a battery hydrometer to check the specific gravity of
the electrolyte in each battery cell. While holding the
hydrometer vertically, read the number on the glass bulb
at the top of the electrolyte level or the number adjacent
to the pointer. If the hydrometer used does not have a
correction table, use the correction factors in
Figure 4-13. Determine specific gravity and electrolyte
temperature of battery cells. Locate temperature in
Figure 4-13 and adjust the specific gravity by the
amount shown.
The battery is fully charged if the specific gravity is 1.260
at an electrolyte temperature of 80°F (26.7°C). The
difference between specific gravities of each cell should
not exceed 0.01. Charge the battery if the specific
gravity is below 1.215 at an electrolyte temperature of
80°F (26.7°C). See Figure 4-11.
Specific Gravity,
Corrected to
80
°
F (26.7
°
C)
Battery
Condition
Below 1.215 Needs charging
1.260 Fully charged
Figure 4-11 Specific Gravity Interpretation
Some battery testers have four or five beads in the test
tube. Draw electrolyte into the tube as performed with
the battery hydrometer described previously. Use the
manufacturer’s instructions. Figure 4-12 interprets
typical test results.
Number of Floating Beads
Battery
Condition
5 Overcharged
4 Fully charged
3 Good charge
1 or 2 Low charge
0 Dead battery
Figure 4-12 Bead-Type Test Interpretation
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