Neglect of the battery quickly brings trouble, and correct attention in regard to its maintenance is vitally important. Upon it depend the lamps and horn.
Topping-up the Battery. Examine the acid level about every four weeks, and even more frequently in tropical climates. Unscrew the battery clamping screw and remove the battery after first disconnecting the battery positiveandnegativeleads.On 1956-7rnodelstheLucasbatteryishoused in a front compartment of the tool box as shown in Fig. 23.
FIGS. 21 and 22. KEEP THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL WITH THE TOPS OF THE PLATE SEPARATORS
Fig. 21 shows the Lucas type PUW-7E-4 battery fitted prior to 1954, and Fig. 22 the later PU7E/9 battery with correct acid-level device.
To remove the battery on 1956 models, first release the rubber strap by grasping the loop attached to its lower end; pull downwards until the strap and loop are freed from the retaining clip at the platform base, and permit the rubber strap to slacken.
Then lift the battery out.
To remove the battery on 1957 models, grasp the rubber strap with the fingers between the battery case and rubber strap. Push the strap downwards until it is possible to free the metal toggle from the strap retaining-clip, then carefully take the battery out.
Take off the battery lid and remove the three vent plugs. Inspect the hole in each vent plug and make certain that is is not obstructed. A choked vent plug hole will
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result in an increase of pressure in the cell owing to gassing," and this may cause trouble. Wipe the top of the battery clean with a rag and verify that the washer (where fitted) beneath each vent plug, to prevent leakage, is in position.
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After wiping the top of the battery, either destroy the rag or wash it thoroughly, using several changes of water. See that a supply of clean distilled water is to hand.
Topping-up is necessary because the distilled water, unlike the acid, is gradually lost through evaporation.
FIG. 23. A 1956-7 REFINEMENT-NEAT ENCLOSURE OF THE BATTERY AND C.V.C. UNIT IN THE TOOL BOX
The compensated-voltage-control unit is housed in a sponge-rubber holder. On 1957 models the tool-box lid is quickly detachable instead of being hinged.
Be careful not to hold a naked light near the vents. If the level is below the tops of the separators, add distilled water as required to bring the level correct (see Figs. 21 and 22). This should be done just before a charge run, as the agitation due to running and the gassing will thoroughly mix the solution. Acid must not be added to the electrolyte unless the solution has been spilled. If the solution has been spilled by accident, add diluted sulphuric acid of specific gravity equal to that in the cells.
Undoubtedly the best way to top-up a PUW-7E-4 type battery is to use a Lucas battery filler. Insert its nozzle into each cell, with the nozzle resting
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on the separators. Hold the battery filler in this position until air bubbles cease to rise in the glass container. The electrolyte level should then be correct, but exarmine it to make sure.
On 1954 and later machines with the PU7E/9 battery, pour distilled water round the flange (not the tube) of the acid-level device (see Fig. 22) until it ceases to drain into the cell. Then lift the tube slightly to enable
FIG. 24. LUCAS HYDROMETER BEING USED TO CHECK SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF BATTERY ELECTROLYTE
the small amount of water in the flange to drain into the cell. The electrolyte level should then be correct. Inspect to make certain.
If the battery needs to be topped-up very often, it is possible that the C.V.C. unit needs to be adjusted; if one cell requires more frequent topping-up than the others, probably the battery case, or container, is cracked, and battery renewal is called for.
Checking Specific Gravity. Very occasionally, hydrometer readings (specific-gravity values) should be taken of the solution in each of the cells. The method of doing this is shown in Fig. 24. The Lucas hydrometer contains a graduated float which indicates the specific gravity of the battery cell from which a sample of electrolyte is taken.
After a sample has been taken and checked, it must, of course, be returned to the cell. The taking of S.G. readings with a hydroj-neter is the most efficient way of ascertaining the state of charge of the battery. The S.G.
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readings should be approximately the same for all three cells, Should the reading for one cell differ substantially from the readings for the others, probably some acid has been spilled or has leaked from the cell concerned. There is also a possibility of a short circuit between the battery plates. In the latter case it will be necessary to return the battery to a Lueas service depot for attention.
Under no circumstances must the battery be permitted to remain in a discharged condition for long, or serious deterioration will occur. After checking the S.G.
readings and topping-up the cells, wipe the top of the battery and remove any spilled electrolyte or water; replace the three vent plugs and the battery lid. Then fit and tighten the battery clamping-screw, or secure with the rubber strap (1956~7 models).
Battery Connexions. Always keep the battery connexions clean, free from corrosion, and tight, otherwise the ammeter readings will not indicate the true state of charge of the battery and proper battery charging may not occur.
Correct Readings. With Lueas batteries fitted to A.J.S. machines, the specific gravity readings at an acid temperature of approximately 60'F. should be: 1.280-1-300, battery fully charged; about 1.210 battery about half discharged; below 1. 1 50 battery fully discharged. If the temperature exceeds 60'F., add 0.002 to the hydrometer reading for each 5 degrees rise in temperature above 60'F. Similarly if the temperature is below 60'F., deduct 0.002 for each 5 degrees decrease in temperature.
Never leave the battery in a discharged state for any appreciable period. A low state of charge often is caused through parking the machine for long periods with the lighting switch in the "L" position, unaccompanied by much daylight running. the remedy is, of course, to undertake more daylight running and to keep the switch in the "Off" position as much as possible until the battery regains its normal state of charge. If overcharging occurs, have the setting of the compensated-voltage-control unit checked.