TM 5-3895-359-14&P
check to be sure that a ground strap is present and is
Starter Switch
correctly installed.
To start the engine, a switch is used to energize the
motor. Release tie switch immediately after tile engine
Regulator
starts.
A regulator is incorporated in the electrical system to
regulate the voltage and current output of the battery
Battery-Charging Alternator
charging alternator and to help maintain fully charged
A battery-charging alternator is introduced into the
storage batteries.
electrical system to provide a source of electrical current
for maintaining the storage battery in a charged
Storage Batteries
condition and to supply sufficient current to carry any
Two 6-volt lead acid storage batteries are used and
other electrical load requirements up to the rated
connected in series which provide 12 volt power for the
capacity of the alternator.
electrical system.
Alternator Precautions
The lead-acid storage battery is an electrochemical
Precautions must be taken when working on or around
device for converting chemical energy into electrical
an alternator.
The diodes and transistors in the
energy.
alternator circuit are very sensitive and can be easily
destroyed.
The battery has three major functions:
Avoid grounding the output wires or the field wires
1. It provides a source of electrical power for starting
between the alternator and the regulator. run an
the engine.
alternator on an open circuit.
2. It acts as a stabilizer to the voltage in the electrical
Grounding an alternator's output wire or terminals, which
system.
are always hot regardless whether or not the engine is
running. and accidental reversing of the battery polarity
3. It can. for a limited time, furnish current when the
will destroy the diodes. Grounding the field circuit will
electrical demands of the unit exceed the output of the
also result in the destruction of the diodes. Some
voltage regulators provide protection against some of
these circumstances. However, it is recommended that
The battery is a perishable item which requires periodic
extreme caution be used.
servicing. A properly cared for battery will give long
and trouble-free service.
Accidentally reversing the battery connections must be
avoided.
1. Check the level of the electrolyte regularly. Add
water if necessary. but do not overfill. Overfilling can
Never disconnect the batteries while an alternator is in
cause poor performance or early failure.
operation. Disconnecting the batteries will result in
damage to the diodes, due to the momentary high
2.
Keep the top of the batteries clean.
When
voltage and current generated by the rapid collapse of
necessary, wash with a baking soda solution and rinse
the magnetic field surrounding the field windings.
with fresh water. Do not allow the soda solution to enter
the cells.
If a booster battery is to be used, the batteries must be
connected correctly (negative to negative and positive
3. Inspect the cables, clamps and hold-down bracket
to positive).
regularly. Clean and re-apply a light coating of grease
when needed. Replace corroded, damaged parts.
Never use a fast charger with the batteries connected,
or as a booster for battery output.
4. Use the standard, quick in-the-unit battery test as the
regular service test to check battery condition.
Never attempt to polarize an alternator. Polarization is
not necessary and is harmful.
5. Check the electrical system if the batteries become
discharged repeatedly.
The alternator diodes are also sensitive to heat, and
care must be exercised to prevent damage to them from
soldering irons, etc.
WARNING: Explosive gas may remain in or
around the batteries for several hours after
if faulty operation of an alternator occurs on an engine
they have been charged. Sparks or flame can
equipped with an insulated starting motor.
ignite this gas causing
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