B250 3/4 Ton Van V8-360 5.9L (1984)
BEEN CHARGED. DON'T BREAK LIVE CIRCUITS AT THE TERMINALS OF THE BATTERY ON CHARGE, A
SPARK WILL OCCUR WHERE THE LIVE CIRCUIT IS BROKEN. KEEP ALL OPEN FLAMES AWAY FROM THE
BATTERY.
When it is necessary to charge a sealed battery, the following safety procedures must be followed:
1.
Do not charge the battery if "GREEN" except immediately following prolonged cranking.
2.
Do not charge the battery if the test indicator is a "LIGHT YELLOW" or "BRIGHT" color. REPLACE THE BATTERY.
3.
If the battery feels HOT (125 degrees F, 52 degrees C) or if excessive gassing occurs through the vent holes, discontinue charging or reduce the
charging rate IMMEDIATELY.
CAUTION:
CHARGE THE BATTERY ONLY UNTIL THE GREEN DOT APPEARS. DO NOT OVERCHARGE.
Slight tapping or shaking of the battery may be necessary to make the-GREEN DOT appear.
There are many types of battery charging equipment available. Be sure to follow the instructions of the equipment manufacturer for the necessary
preparations and precautions. However, the following items should be observed when slow charging the battery with any type of equipment:
1.
If the battery is to remain in the vehicle, disconnect the cables at the battery negative cable first to prevent damage to the electrical system during
charging.
2.
Thoroughly clean the battery. Refer to "Battery Visual Inspection."
Charging Procedure and Recommendations
CHARGING PROCEDURE
1.
Batteries with the GREEN DOT showing DO NOT require charging unless they have just been discharged (such as a long crank, etc.).
2.
Make sure that all charger connections are clean and tight.
3.
For best results, batteries should be charged when the electrolyte and the plates are at room temperature. A battery that is extremely cold may not
accept current for SEVERAL hours after charging has begun.
4.
Charge the battery ONLY until the GREEN DOT appears. The battery should be checked every half hour while charging. Tapping or shaking the
battery may be necessary to make the GREEN DOT appear.
5.
After charging, the battery should be tested as outlined in "Battery Testing."
CHARGING RECOMMENDATIONS
DO NOT CHARGE FROZEN BATTERIES. If the state of charge is very low, the battery may freeze. If it is suspected that the battery is frozen, move
the battery to a heated area for at least two hours before charging. Do not place battery near open flame.
Time Required, Battery Charged & Testing Information
CHARGING TIME REQUIRED
The time required to charge a battery will vary, depending upon the following factors:
1.
Size of the Battery - A completely discharged large heavy-duty battery requires more than twice the recharging as a completely discharged small
passenger car battery.
2.
Battery Temperature - The charging time required to charge any battery is increased as the temperature goes down. When a fast charger is
connected to a cold battery, the current accepted by the battery will remain low. As the battery warms up, it will accept a higher rate of charge.
3.
Charger Capacity - A charger that can supply only 5 amps charging current will require a much longer period of charging than one that can deliver
a charging current of 30 amps or more. Charging rates of up to 50 amps are generally acceptable PROVIDED the battery does not gas excessively
or become over heated.
4.
State of Charge - A completely discharged battery will require more than twice as much current input to reach a fully charged state, than a battery
that was half discharged when charging began. Because the electrolyte is nearly pure water in a fully discharged battery, it cannot accept current as
well as electrolyte. This is the reason the battery will not accept current when the charging cycle first begins. As the battery remains on the charger,
the current from the charger causes the electrolytic acid content to rise. This increase in acid content will make the electrolyte a better conductor
and the battery accepts a higher charging rate.
