SECTI ENGINE I CONTENTS C Page Engine Electrical 6Y 1 Battery 6Y 1 Charging System 6Y 4 BA II Page General Description 6Y 1 Common Causes of Failure 6Y 1 Quick In the Vehicle Tests 6Y 1 Visual Inspection 6Y 1 Light Load Test 6Y 2 GENERALI The source of electrical power for operating the electrical current consuming automotive components may be either the battery or generator or under certain conditions both the battery and the generator It is the role of the battery to furnish electrical power for the electrical accessories when the engine and generator are not in operation The battery not only furnishes the electrical power necessary for cranking the engine but must also help in cases where generator output is not sufficient to handle the electrical loads The dry charge battery contains fully charged positive and negative plates separated by high quality separators The battery contains no electrolyte until it is activated for service in the field and therefore leaves the factory dry Venting of the Corvair battery is accomplished by two vent plug adapters and hoses which vent battery gas or vapors to the outside of the engine compartment fig ib COMMON CAUSES OF FAILURE When a battery fails the cause of failure may lie outside the battery itself For this reason when a battery failure is encountered do not be satisfied to merely recharge or replace it Find the cause of failure and prevent recurrence of the trouble Listed below are some of the common causes of battery failure 1 Defect in the generating system such as high resistance slipping fan belt faulty generator or regulator 2 Overloads caused by defective starting or excessive use of accessories 3 Driver habits or driving conditions such as using the vehicle only for short drives Liquid level in the battery should be checked regularly If the liquid level is found to be low colorless odorless drinking water should be added to each cell until the liquid level rises to the bottom of the split ring in the cell filler well ION 6Y ELECTRICAL IF THIS SECTION Page Ignition System 6Y 16 Starting System 6Y 23 Special Tools 6Y 29 TTERY WEX Page Out of the Car Charging and Testing 6Y 3 Slow Charging 6Y 3 Full Charge Hydrometer Test 6Y 3 Battery Charging Rates Suggested 6Y 3 DESCRIPTION Inspect for signs of corrosion on battery cables and surrounding area loose or broken carriers cracked or bulged cases dirt and acid electrolyte leakage and low electrolyte level Fill cells to proper level with colorless odorless drinking water The top of the battery should be clean and the battery hold down bolts properly tightened Particular care should be taken to see that the tops of the 12 volt batteries are kept clean of acid film and dirt because of the high voltage between the battery terminals For best results when cleaning batteries wash first with a dilute ammonia or soda solution to neutralize any acid present and then flush off with clean water Care must be taken to keep vent adapters tight so that the neutralizing solution does not enter the cell The hold down bolts should be kept tight enough to prevent the battery from shaking around in its holder but they should not be tightened to the point where the battery case will be placed under a severe strain To insure good contact the battery cables should be tight on the battery posts Oil the battery terminal felt washer If the battery posts or cable terminals are corroded the cables should be cleaned separately with a soda solution and a wire brush After cleaning and installing clamps apply a thin coating of petrolatum to the posts and cable clamps to help retard corrosion See Figure 10 for correct installation of cable terminal clamps QUICK IN THE VEHICLE TESTS 1 Visual Inspection 2 Light Load Test VISUAL INSPECTION Inspect for signs of corrosion on battery cables and surrounding area loose or broken carriers cracked