SENR9977 57 Testing and Adjusting Section Never disconnect any charging unit circuit or bat- tery circuit cable from the battery when the charg- ing unit is operated. A spark can cause an explo- sion from the flammable vapor mixture of hydro- gen and oxygen that is released from the elec- trolyte through the battery outlets. Injury to per- sonnel can be the result. The battery circuit is an electrical load on the charging unit. The load is variable because of the condition of the charge in the battery. NOTICE The charging unit will be damaged if the connections between the battery and the charging unit are broken while the battery is being charged.
Damage occurs because the load from the battery is lost and because there is an increase in charging voltage. High voltage will damage the charging unit, the regulator, and other electrical components. The correct procedures to test the battery can be found in the manual that is supplied by the OEM. i01955101 V-Belt - Test Table 8 (1) Initial Belt Tension refers to a new belt. (2) Used Belt Tension refers to a belt that has been in operation for 30 minutes or more at the rated speed. 1. Check the belts for wear and check the belts for damage. Belts must always be changed as a pair. i02270879 Charging System - Test 2.
Fit a suitable Burroughs gauge at the center of the longest free length of the belt and check the tension on both belts. Check and adjust the tension on the tightest belt. To adjust the belt tension, see Disassembly and Assembly Manual, “Alternator - Install”. The condition of charge in the battery at each regular inspection will show if the charging system is operating correctly. An adjustment is necessary when the battery is constantly in a low condition of charge or a large amount of water is needed. There are no adjustments on maintenance free batteries. A large amount of water would be more than one ounce of water per cell per week or per every 100 service hours.
Belt Tension Chart Size of Belt Width of Belt Gauge Reading Initial Belt Tension(1) Used Belt Tension(2) 1/2 13.89 mm (0.547 Inch) 535 N (120 lb) 355 N (80 lb) Measure the tension of the belt that is farthest from the engine.