PB 150 V8-318 5.2L VIN T 2-BBL (1983)
Do not charge frozen battery (batteries may freeze at temperatures of +20~F or colder if the state of charge is very low). If it is suspected that a battery is
frozen, move the battery indoors to a heated area for at least two hours before charging. Do not place battery near open flame.
Battery Fast Charger Recommendations
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40-50 amperes minimum charge rate capability for discharged battery.
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To prevent overcharge, a timer (one or two hour) or voltage regulator (18 volt maximum) to stop or reduce the charge rate as battery is recharged.
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Ammeter or charge indicator. (Extremely cold and some completely discharged batteries may appear not to accept a charge on this meter. In
reality, some small current is being accepted and the meter is not sensitive enough to register it. Continue charging and a charger rate will begin to
show in time.)
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Automatic polarity protection. Some of these devices require some activating voltage to become operational, therefore, a by-pass or override
feature is desirable for totally discharged batteries with extremely low terminal voltage.
Charging Time Required
The time required to charge a battery will vary depending upon the following factors:
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Size of battery - a completely discharged large heavy-duty battery requires more than twice the recharging as a completely discharged small
passenger car battery.
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Battery temperature - a longer time will be needed to charge any battery at 0~F than at 80~F. When a fast charger is connected to a cold battery,
the current accepted by the battery will be very low at first, then in time the battery will accept a higher rate as the battery warms.
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Charger capacity - a charger which can supply only 5 amperes will require a much longer period of charging than a charger that can supply 30
amperes or more. Charge rates as high as 50 amperes are generally satisfactory as long as spewing of electrolyte out of the vents does not occur
and the battery does not feel excessively hot (over 52~C, 125~F).
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State of charge - a completely discharged battery requires more than twice as much charge as a half-charged battery. Because the electrolyte is
nearly pure water and a poor conductor in a completely discharged battery, the current accepted by the battery is very low at first. Later, as the
charging current causes the electrolyte acid content to increase, the charging current will likewise increase.
Battery chargers vary in the amount of voltage and current they provide. Thus, the time required for the battery to begin to accept measurable charger
current will also vary.
REMEMBER, EVEN WITH CHARGER ON HIGHEST SETTING, IT MAY BE SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE CHARGING CURRENT IS
MEASURABLE. HOWEVER, THE CHARGING CURRENT WILL THEN INCREASE RAPIDLY TO NORMAL VALUES IF A GOOD FAST
CHARGER IS USED.
TEST PROCEDURES
Load Test
1.
Observe indicator for presence of green dot. If not visible, charge battery prior to testing.
2.
Observing polarity, connect a voltmeter and a battery load tester across battery terminals.
3.
Apply a 15 amp load or turn on headlamps for 15 seconds to remove surface charge from the battery. Remove the load.
4.
Wait 15 seconds to let battery recover and apply load. See specifications for proper load.
5.
Read voltage after 15 seconds with specified load applied, then disconnect load.
6.
If voltage does not drop below the minimum listed in the Load Test Chart, the battery is good and should be returned to service. (The battery
temperature must be estimated by feel and by the temperature the battery has been exposed to for the preceding few hours.)
7.
If the battery passes the load test, its in good condition. No further tests are necessary. If it fails the load test, check further to see whether it should
be charged or replaced.
LOAD TEST CHART
Minimum Voltage
Temperature
F~
C~
