Dumb newby battery charging question

[SimonT]

Hello.

Sorry for this post...

I have to charge the battery of my recently acquired Power Major. I can't tell if its a sealed or open type though. I've looked for info on the battery but drawn a blank so I'm hoping someone will be able to help me.
The battery is a New Holland. Part No 643, 640 amp, 96AH dated 1/8/11.
Although the top is flush there are plugs in it which look like they could be opened using a very wide screwdriver or large coin. However they are very hard to get loose (i've tried a little to no avail). Each plug has MFG stamped on them. As I've just worked out how to add a photo, I've done just that below!

Does anyone know if I should attempt to undo 1 (or more?) before charging? And if so, confirm that I can/should add electrolyte if the levels are low?

Thank you.

[Matt in WI]

Hello Simon, I sure looks like you are dealing with an open type battery there to me. In a perfect word you should just need a large flat screwdriver to open it up. I have adopted the Epsom salt and distilled water method when topping battery's, seems to work the best for me. 3 table spoons Epsom salt to 1 cup of distilled water. Works a treat.

[SimonT]

Thanks very much. Thanks also for the electrolyte tip. It's a few decades since I dealt with this sort of stuff and I was prepared to stick just distilled water in it.

Would you mind if I asked another question? The negative battery lead is attached to a small thing (3 inches high, 2 inches wide?). When I fire the starter engine it smokes badly, smells electrical and frankly looks a bit unhealthy. Any idea what that is?

[Pavel]

Nice pic -- shows everything.
The slotted, removable, plugs are now standard fitting for all modern non-sealed batteries. In theory, unless the battery is being regularly over-charged, indicated by excessive white gunk around the battery posts, the electrolyte remains constant -- but distilled water needs adding so that the electrolyte mixes with it and covers the internal plates. You obviously need the help of a large, and broad-bladed screwdriver to overcome the heavy handedness of a previous owner.
The battery does appear to be a little marginal for power as it lists the CCA [cold cranking amps] as 640 whereas, for a diesel, 800 to 1000 is recommended. However, if the compression ratios are down a bit it should be OK.
The earth lead you mention should be of the same thickness as the HT leads to the starter motor or, alternatively, have a proper braided earth strap. A good idea when clamping it to the bellhousing is to place a star washer between it and the housing as the teeth will cut through any paint or rust.

Pavel

[Dandy Dave]

Sounds like to me you are talking about the solenoid. If it is getting hot and smoking, it needs replacing. Dandy Dave.

Here's an image... http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321240915533?lpid=82 Fixed...

[SimonT]

Thanks Dave and Pavel. Battery is charging now.

Dave. I can't see that image. I can see it is hosted at Tapatalk. It have Tapatalk installed but cannot find this forum on it. Any help appreciated.

[henk]

In some battery's a coine will do the trick to get the screws turning.

[Dandy Dave]

I'm not sure what happened there??? Try this link... http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/200887837509?lpid=82 Dandy Dave!