TM 5-3895-346-14
STORAGE BATTERY
ENGINE OVERHAUL
STORAGE BATTERY
The lead-acid storage battery is an electrochemical device for converting chemical energy into electrical
energy.
Function of Battery
The battery has three major functions:
1.
It provides a source of current for starting the engine.
2.
It acts as a stabilizer to the voltage in the electrical system.
3.
It can, for a limited time, furnish current when the electrical demands exceed the output of the
Types of Batteries
There are two types of batteries in use today.
1.
The dry charge battery contains fully charged positive plates and negative plates separated by
separators. The battery contains no electrolyte until it is activated for service in the field and therefore leaves
the factory dry. Consequently, it is called a dry charge battery.
2.
If the battery has been manufactured as a wet battery, it will contain fully charged positive and
negative plates plus an electrolyte. This type of battery will not maintain its charged condition during storage
and must be charged periodically to keep it ready for service.
NOTE
In the selection of a replacement battery, it is always good practice to select one of
an "electrical size" (refer to chart) at least equal to the battery originally engineered
for the particular equipment by the manufacturer.
Install Battery
While the battery is built to satisfactorily withstand the conditions under which it will normally operate,
excessive mechanical abuse leads to early failure.
Install the battery as follows:
1.
Be sure the battery carrier is clean and that the battery rests level when installed.
2.
Tighten the hold down clamps evenly until snug. However, do not draw them down too tight or the
battery case will become distorted or will crack.
3.
Attach the cable clamps after making sure the cables and terminal clamps are clean and in good
condition. To make the cable connections as corrosion resistant as possible, place a felt washer at the base of
each terminal, beneath the cable clamps. Coat the entire connection with a heavy general-purpose grease. Be
sure the ground cable is clean and tight at the engine block or frame.
BATTERY RECOMMENDATIONS
12 Volt Batteries
S.A.E.
Total S.A.E.
Reference
Cold Cranking
Cold Cranking
S.A.E
Starting
AMP @ 0
F
AMP @ 0
F
20AMP Hour
(-17.8 )
(-17.8 )
Motor
Rate Per Bank
C
C
Engine
Voltage
Qty.
AMP Per Battery
AMP Per Bank
4-53
12V
1
600
Single Battery
150
375