e. Mark the positive terminal cell of the second
131. Routine Battery Inspection
half of the battery with its proper number.
Make the routine battery inspection at least once
each week, immediately upon arrival of the locomotive
at the inspection point.
the battery when removed from a locomotive for
a. Hydrometer or specific gravity readings (take
shopping can be reinstalled in any locomotive in the
same order.
before adding water).
g. Indicate the location of the positive terminal
(1) Record hydrometer or specific gravity
readings of cells marked or indicated by
cells in red paint on the inside of the battery
rotating vent plugs in each half of the
compartment at points adjacent to these cells. For
battery together with the inspection date
example: locomotive with a 32-cell battery, mark the
and initials of inspector.
compartment as follows:
(2) If reading is 100 points or more below full
(1) Positive cell number 1 (marked +1) in first
charge value, "boost" charge battery.
half of battery.
Refer to paragraph 128.
(2) Positive cell number 17 (marked +17) in
second half of battery.
b. Electrolyte Level (Take Before Adding Water).
(1) Record the electrolyte level or height
130. Inspection--Record of Battery Performance
above the splash cover (to nearest 1/5
a. To keep track of the performance of the battery
inch) in cells marked by rotating vent
and its charging equipment, keep a diesel battery and
plugs.
voltage regulator inspection card in a holder located on
(2) Water addition should be required only at
each diesel locomotive, so that the desired information
time of monthly inspection. If, however,
can be quickly recorded.
electrolyte level is close to splash cover,
b. Each battery will be marked with an identifying
add water to all cells and check reason for
number.
If the battery is transferred from one
need. Refer to paragraphs 117 and 118.
locomotive to another, the battery record card must also
(3) Enter record of any water addition on
be transferred. This will permit keeping a continuous
battery card.
record of the operation and performance of each
c. Temperature.
battery.
(1) Check temperature of cell by touching
c. A systematic inspection program, and a
cover with hand. If it feels very warm,
carefully kept running record of the operation, of the
take thermometer reading of electrolyte.
battery and its charging equipment, as found at each
(2) When electrolyte temperature is above
inspection, will help to accomplish better maintenance.
normal, find cause and correct it. Refer to
d. Symptoms of developing trouble can be
detected by regular study of the battery record card and
d. Rotating Vent Plugs. Change the rotating vent
necessary corrective measures can be taken in time to
plugs to the next cell in the series circuit in each half of
prevent any severe trouble, which might otherwise result
the battery. When the last cell in each half of the
in a locomotive failure.
battery is reached return rotating vent plug to the
e. When a battery record card is filled up, replace
original cells started with. Refer to paragraph 122.
it with a new card, and all pertinent information will be
e. Check by Touch, or Visually.
recorded on the new card including all readings made
(1) Tray blocking. Refer to paragraph 115.
on the last inspection and recorded on the old card.
(2) Inter-tray and terminal wiring and all
f. Place the old card on file at the assigned
bolted connections. Refer to paragraph
maintenance terminal.
g. Proper records will be a decided aid to the
(3) Tightness and condition of vent plugs.
maintenance
personnel
in
readily
disclosing
Refer to paragraph 121.
irregularities, so that such irregularities can be promptly
(4) Evidence of electrolyte leakage, as from
corrected.
broken container, cover, or loose or
missing vent plug.
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