TM 5-3895-359-14&P
check to be sure that a ground strap is present and is
Starter Switch
To start the engine, a switch is used to energize the
correctly installed.
motor. Release tie switch immediately after tile engine
starts.
Regulator
A regulator is incorporated in the electrical system to
regulate the voltage and current output of the battery
Battery-Charging Alternator
A battery-charging alternator is introduced into the
charging alternator and to help maintain fully charged
electrical system to provide a source of electrical current
storage batteries.
for maintaining the storage battery in a charged
condition and to supply sufficient current to carry any
Storage Batteries
other electrical load requirements up to the rated
Two 6-volt lead acid storage batteries are used and
capacity of the alternator.
connected in series which provide 12 volt power for the
electrical system.
Alternator Precautions
Precautions must be taken when working on or around
The lead-acid storage battery is an electrochemical
an alternator.
The diodes and transistors in the
device for converting chemical energy into electrical
alternator circuit are very sensitive and can be easily
energy.
destroyed.
The battery has three major functions:
Avoid grounding the output wires or the field wires
between the alternator and the regulator. run an
1. It provides a source of electrical power for starting
alternator on an open circuit.
the engine.
Grounding an alternator's output wire or terminals, which
2. It acts as a stabilizer to the voltage in the electrical
are always hot regardless whether or not the engine is
system.
running. and accidental reversing of the battery polarity
will destroy the diodes. Grounding the field circuit will
3. It can. for a limited time, furnish current when the
electrical demands of the unit exceed the output of the
also result in the destruction of the diodes. Some
alternator.
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
the magnetic field surrounding the field windings.
necessary, wash with a baking soda solution and rinse
with fresh water. Do not allow the soda solution to enter
If a booster battery is to be used, the batteries must be
the cells.
connected correctly (negative to negative and positive
to positive).
3. Inspect the cables, clamps and hold-down bracket
regularly. Clean and re-apply a light coating of grease
Never use a fast charger with the batteries connected,
when needed. Replace corroded, damaged parts.
or as a booster for battery output.
4. Use the standard, quick in-the-unit battery test as the
Never attempt to polarize an alternator. Polarization is
regular service test to check battery condition.
not necessary and is harmful.
5. Check the electrical system if the batteries become
The alternator diodes are also sensitive to heat, and
discharged repeatedly.
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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