SAFETY CONTACTOR GROUP 8L6396 - Caterpillar

Charging System
The condition of charge in the battery at each regular inspection will show if the charging system operates correctly. An adjustment is necessary when the battery is constantly in a low condition of charge or a large amount of water is needed (more than one ounce of water per cell per week or per every 100 service hours).When it is possible, make a test of the charging unit and voltage regulator on the engine, and use wiring and components that are a permanent part of the system. Off engine (bench) testing will give a test of the charging unit and voltage regulator operation. This testing will give an indication of needed repair. After repairs are made, again make a test to give proof that the units are repaired to their original condition of operation.Before the start of on engine testing, the charging system and battery must be checked as shown in the Steps that follow:1. Battery must be at least 75 percent (1.225 Sp Gr) fully charged and held tightly in place. The battery holder must not put too much stress on the battery.2. Cables between the battery, starting motor and engine ground must be the correct size. Wires and cables must be free of corrosion and have cable support clamps to prevent stress on battery connections (terminals).3. Leads, junctions, switches, and panel instruments that have direct relation to the charging circuit must give correct circuit control.4. Inspect the drive components for the charging unit to be sure they are free of grease and oil and have the ability to operate the charging unit.Alternator Regulator Adjustment
When an alternator is charging the battery too much or not enough, the charging rate of the alternator should be checked. Make reference to the Specifications module to find all testing specifications for the alternators and regulators.No adjustment can be made to change the rate of charge on the alternator regulators. If rate of charge is not correct, a replacement of the regulator is necessary.Alternator Pulley Nut Tightening
Tighten the nut that holds the pulley to the specifications given in the Specification Module.
Tools To Tighten Alternator Pulley Nut (1) 8T9293 Torque Wrench.(2) 8S1588 Adapter (1/2 inch female to 3/8 inch male).(3) 2P8267 Socket Assembly.(4) 8H8517 Combination Wrench (11/8 inch).(5) 8T5314 Socket.Starting System
Use the multimeter in the DCV range to find starting system components which do not function.Move the start control switch to activate the starter solenoid. Starter solenoid operation can be heard as the pinion of the starting motor is engaged with the ring gear on the engine flywheel.If the solenoid for the starting motor will not operate, it is possible that the current from the battery did not get to the solenoid. Fasten one lead of the multimeter to the connection (terminal) for the battery cable on the solenoid. Put the other lead to a good ground. A zero reading is an indication that there is a broken circuit from the battery. More testing is necessary when there is a voltage reading