BASE AS 2130064 - Caterpillar

Battery Installation
Preparing Dry Charge Batteries
One day before installing a new dry charge battery, add the electrolyte solution to each cell.1. Fill each cell to the bottom of the vent with electrolyte solution.
If the battery is initially filled with water by mistake, the battery is ruined and must be replaced.
2. Allow the battery to sit for several minutes to permit the battery plates to absorb the electrolyte.3. Add make-up electrolyte solution until the level stabilizes. Once the level stabilizes, never add anything but water.4. Install the vent caps.5. Remove the tape covering the vent hole in each cap.6. Slowly charge the battery on a battery charger until the specific gravity of the solution is at least 1.240 at a temperature of 80°F (27°C). If the electrolyte solution temperature nears 125°F (53°C) reduce the charging rate. Temperature in excess of 125°F (53°C) will ruin the battery.Preparing Wet Charge Batteries
The electrolyte solution was added by the manufacturer. Make-up solution must be water; never add electrolyte or acid to a wet charge battery. If necessary, slowly charge the battery before using.Using A Battery Charger
A desirable charging rate can be calculated by multiplying the amp-hour rating of the battery by .07 (7%).Shut off the battery charger before disconnecting the booster charger clamps from the battery terminals. While the battery is charging, hydrogen gas is being given off through each vent cap. When hydrogen gas is mixed with air, the mixture is highly explosive and will explode in the presence of a spark or small flame.
Never smoke near the area where batteries are being charged.
Installing Battery
1. Be sure the tray is free of objects which may puncture the battery case when the hold down straps are tightened.2. Be sure terminal posts and cable clamps are clean.3. Place the battery in the tray. Tighten the hold downs evenly until the battery is snug. Do not overtighten.4. Connect the "hot" terminal first.5. Connect the ground terminal last.
Always connect the "hot" terminal first.
When the "hot" terminal is connected first, no arcing can occur if the wrench accidentally contacts both the terminal and the frame or tray. The part that is contacted will take the same polarity as the battery terminal.By connecting the ground terminal first, the frame or tray is connected to ground. Then, if the wrench accidentally contacts the frame while connecting the "hot" terminal, a circuit is completed through the wrench. A hot spark will occur which could burn the person holding the wrench, or possibly explode the battery if an excess of hydrogen gas is present at any one of the vent holes.After connecting both cables, apply a thin coating of grease over the cable clamps, terminals and hold down fasteners.Battery Maintenance
Testing The Electrolyte Solution
The general condition of a battery can be determined by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution and adjusting the reading to 80°F (27°C). If the electrolyte level is too low to allow taking a hydrometer reading, add make-up water to the correct level and then charge the battery