A.J.S. 16 Instruction Book - Fitting The Battery
FITTING THE BATTERY
The battery must be inserted with the negative
terminal on the right side of the battery compart-
ment.
The specific gravity of the electrolyte indicates the
state of charge of the battery. W i t h a fully charged
battery the specific gravity of the electrolyte should
be 1·270 to 1·290. Check the gravity by means of a
hydrometer, and if it is below 1·150 the battery
should be charged as soon as possible by the normal
running of the motor cycle.
If this cannot be
arranged, the battery should be charged from an
external source.
If the level of the electrolyte is so low that a
hydrometer reading cannot be taken, no attempt
should be made to take a reading after adding
distilled water until the battery has been on
charge for at least 30 minutes.
Assuming the temperature of the electrolyte is about 60° F. a test with a hydrometer
quickly shows the state of charge, as under:
Reading 1·270 to 1·290 indicates fully charged.
Reading about 1·210 indicates half discharged.
Reading below 1·150 indicates completely discharged.
If the electrolyte exceeds this temperature, ·002 must be added to the hydrometer reading
for each 5° F. rise to give the specific gravity at 60° F. Similarly, ·002 must be subtracted
from the hydrometer reading for every 5° F. below 60° F.
TOPPING UP T H E BATTERY
Fortnightly or more often in warm climates, check if the electrolyte in each cell is level
with the top of the separators. Top-up, if necessary, with distilled water. Do not
allow distilled water to come into contact with metals—always only use a glass or
earthenware container and funnel.
If a battery is found to need an excessive amount of topping-up, steps should be taken
to find out the reason. If one cell in particular needs topping-up more than another,
it is likely the case or container is cracked, in which event the battery must be replaced
and arrangements made to clean up the battery carrier. Metal parts should be well
cleaned and, if possible, washed with a solution of ammonia or bicarbonate fo soda, in
water.
Vent plugs should be kept clean and air passages in them kept free. Re-fix vent plugs
tightly.
Cleaning
Keep the cell tops clean and dry.
Storage
Never leave the battery in a discharged condition. If the machine is to be out of use
for a considerable period, the battery should receive a freshening charge every fortnight.
Battery electrolyte, which contains sulphuric acid in a diluted form, is destructive to
practically everything except rubber, lead, glass or earthenware. Therefore, rags used
to clean battery tops, etc., should be thrown away afterwards. If put back in the tool
box they will cause the tools to rust.
Illustration 46—Lucas Battery
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