Batteries 54.03 General Information the tendency for the battery to produce gas at normal charging voltages; therefore, little water is lost unless the battery has been charged at a very high rate. There are no filler caps in the cover. The battery is sealed except for small vent holes in the cover. The vents allow the escape of gases produced in the battery. + 1 Electrical energy is produced in each cell by chemi- cal changes in the plates and in the electrolyte when- ever a battery is discharged. See Fig. 2 . A battery produces maximum electrical energy only when the cells are fully charged.
As the cells discharge, chemi- cal changes in the plates gradually reduce the poten- tial electrical energy available. Recharging the bat- tery with an opposite flow of direct current reverses the chemical changes within the cells and restores them to their active state. See Fig. 3 . + 2 3 f540034a 10/18/94 1. Charger 2. Positive Plate 3. Negative Plate A Fig. 3, Charging the Battery Only good care can ensure long battery life. Proper testing will indicate the battery condition. For more information, see Subject 140 . + 1 2 5 4 3 f540033a 10/18/94 A. External Electrical Load (such as a starter) 1. Positive Plate 2. Battery Case 3. Electrolyte 4. Separator 5. Negative Plate Fig.
2, Discharging the Battery NOTE: Liquid-electrolyte batteries must be kept in an upright position to prevent electrolyte leak- age. Tipping a wet cell beyond a 45-degree angle in any direction can allow a small amount of electrolyte to leak out the vent holes. In standard installations, the batteries are mounted on the side of the frame rail. Business Class M2 Workshop Manual, Supplement 10, September 2006 050/2