TM 10-6140-200-14
Figure 3-2. Removing a complete cell from battery
the event that either of the original parts are damaged in
Figure 3-3. Removing element from cell
the process.
d. If a wet and charged cell has been pulled and allowed
accordance with the particular battery manufacturer's
to stand unsupported, the jar walls may bulge permitting
instructions.
the electrolyte level to drop. Do not attempt to adjust
electrolyte levels until cells have been reinstalled in the
d. When removing an element, lift it halfway out of the
battery.
jar and hold it at this position until most of the
electrolyte has drained off. Then raise the element to
3-9. Removing an Element
clear the top of the jar. Do not, unless absolutely
necessary, expose an element to air longer than five
a. If the jar is known to be serviceable, it may not be
minutes. Oxygen in the air combines with the active
necessary to remove the complete cell. Usually only the
material in the negative plates causing them to oxidize
element, complete with cell cover, has to be pulled. This
can only be done, however, on those batteries containing
and heat. If the exposure persists, negatives will discharge.
a compound type cover to jar seal. On these, after
While the element is out of the jar, check the sediment
removing connectors, draw a warm putty knife through
well in the bottom of the jar. If it is full of shed material,
the sealing compound close to the inside jar wall. Use a
the cell probably will have to be replaced.
threaded post clamp or cell puller and hoist to raise the
element, with cover in place, first to drain position, and
e. Plate and separator edges may be inspected while the
then up and out of the jar.
element is suspended above the jar. A more thorough
inspection of separators, plate insulation, grids and active
b. When pulling an clement from a cell which has been
materials may be indicated. If so, lay the clement on its
removed from a battery, use jar hold-down clamps as
side on a clean, non-metallic surface. The plates should be
shown in Figure 3-3.
at right angles to the table surface so the element can be
fanned slightly to permit the removal of separators.
c. Some batteries are furnished with permanent seals
between the cover and jar. With these, if a defect occurs,
f. When reinstalling separators make certain that the flat
side of the separator is against the negative plate and the
the complete cell must be pulled and cover to jar seal cut
ribbed side is facing the positive. They should be pushed
or sawed to permit removal of the element. In doing so,
up until they are flush with the bottom of the element
both jar and cover must be replaced and resealed in
3-5
