Wesley PCT-3510-6SA ST - Manual (Page 21)

21 Owner’s Manual and Service Guide – PC & PCT Series
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
4) During shipment or prolonged storage the electrolyte
levels may fall below the separator protector. Only after
a complete discharge and charge cycle, check and keep
electrolyte level above separator. Add approved water
only when required and never add acid.
5) Keep battery top clean, dry and vent caps tightly in
place.
6) Keep open flame and metal objects away from battery
top.
7) Use only approved chargers of correct voltage and
current output.
8) Keep battery compartment open and well ventilated
during charge.
9) It is recommended that water be added to batteries near
the end of the charge or after taking them to charge.
10) Be sure to replace the vent caps after watering so
electrolyte does not splash out.
E LECTROLYTE L EVELS
Charge the batteries after each days use. Clean the
batteries and wire terminals. Check that the electrolyte level
is correct and add water as required. It is important that the
water used be pure and free of contaminants that could
reduce the life of the battery by reducing the chemical
reaction. The water must be distilled or purified by an
efficient filtration system.
Electrolyte level should be ½” (13 mm) above the plates in
each cell. This level will leave about ¼” – 3/8” (6 – 10 mm)
of space between the electrolyte and the vent tube. The
level of the electrolyte is important. Too low and the plates
will be exposed to air, ruining them beyond repair. Too high
and the electrolyte will be forced out of the battery due to
gassing and the increased volume of the electrolyte resulting
from the charging cycle.
B ATTERY W ATERING S YSTEM
Wesley International offers a battery watering system,
(Figure 19), as an option on all its vehicles. This system is a
fast, accurate, and safe means of maintaining precise
electrolyte levels in the batteries.
F IGURE 19
To use the watering system, simply fill the gravity feed
container with a clean water source. Connect the blue
connector at the end of the container flow tubing to the blue
connector at the end of the battery watering system attached
to the batteries. Elevate the gravity feed container at least 3
feet (1 m) to properly fill the batteries.
C LEANING B ATTERIES
It is important to first neutralize any acid deposits with a
solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water.
Spray the top and sides of the batteries with this solution.
Use ¼ cup (60 mL) of sodium bicarbonate mixed with 1 ½
gallons (6 L) of water. Let the solution sit for at least three
minutes. Rinse entire area with low pressure clear water.
B ATTERY R EPLACEMENT
Remove battery hold downs and cables. Lift out batteries
with a safety rated lifting device.
36 V OLT S YSTEM W IRING
48 V OLT S YSTEM W IRING