PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-564

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 564

NOVEMBER 1999
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-564 - Page 4 of 34
You can tell how much charge a battery
has by measuring the electrolyte’s specific
gravity with the antifreeze and battery
tester, NSN 6630-00-105-1418, that is also
in the Common shop sets. The right charge
is shown by a specific gravity reading of
1.280.
Put the battery tester to work when:
You’re pulling the equipment’s semiannual service.
You suspect electrolyte was flooded out by overfilling.
You’re troubleshooting the charging system.
Cold weather is just around the corner.
You’re putting the battery into service for the first time.
Instructions for battery testing are printed on Pages 3-5 through 3-11 of TM 9-
6140-200-14 (Sep 98).
2.
Clean dirt and corrosion from the battery and battery box.
Corrosion eats up metal parts on and around batteries. Dirt and corrosion also
hold moisture. This moisture can close the circuit between the positive and
negative terminals and discharge the battery.
Wipe off light dirt and corrosion with a cloth. To fight heavy corrosion,
remove the battery and any metal parts that can be removed. Scrub the battery
with a baking soda and water mix. Mix
1
/
2
pound of soda in a gallon of water. A
pound of baking soda is NSN 6810-00-264-6618. Get 100 pounds with NSN
Soak metal parts in the mix, then use a wire brush to scrape off rust and
and old paint. Use a scraper, if necessary, but
only on the metal parts
you’ve removed.
After cleaning, rinse
the battery with lots of
clean water and dry it
well. Protect bare metal
with bituminous coating
compound, NSN 8030-
00-290-5141.
Shine up battery posts
and clamps with the bat-
tery terminal cleaner,
from the Common shop
sets.
PS 564
4
NOV 99
PS 564
5
3.
Protect the battery from damage.
Snug battery holddowns tight enough
to keep the battery from banging
around, but not enough to crack the
casing.
Protect terminals and cable connec-
tors, too. Always use the right size
wrenches—not an adjustable wrench—
when loosening or tightening nuts.
Never overtighten the connectors. That can stretch
the clamp and loosen the connector’s grip.
Loosen the bolt to remove the connector. Never pry it
off with a screwdriver. Chances are you’ll break the
battery post or punch a hole in the battery.
Assure tightness of battery connectors visually or with
an easy touch, not with a pair of pliers or other tools.
Protect battery posts by supporting long cables with
tiedown straps, NSN 5975-00-074-2072.
When you change a cable, remove the bolt and cable
only. Leave the terminal connected to the post. That
keeps your connection secure.
Keep holddowns tight
Use correct size wrench
Check specific gravity with tester
Wire brush off
rust and old paint
we're the
team
to
ta ckl e
corrosion.
he
really does
have a
lovely
voice
.
thanks
to
pm
!
✺
✺
✺
✺
✺
once-
twice-
three times
p-m!
Back to Top
Back to Top