5_108.bk Page 72 Thursday, October 4, 2001 11:45 AM
MAINTENANCE BATTERY/CHARGING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE BATTERY
To avoid possible personal injury and/or engine damage from accidental engine startup, always disconnect the battery before servicing the electrical system. To avoid alternator damage when removing battery connections, disconnect the negative (−) terminal first. Reconnect the negative terminal last. Check the hydrometer “eye” of maintenance-free batteries for charge. If lead-acid or low maintenance batteries are used, check the specific gravity of each cell every 150 hours. Check more frequently in warm weather due to the more rapid loss of water through evaporation. Maintain the electrolyte level according to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations, but do not overfill. Overfilling can cause poor performance or early failure.
Battery electrolyte is a solution of sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with clothing, skin and eyes.
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Keep the terminal side of the battery clean. When necessary, wash with a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse with fresh water. Do not allow the soda solution to enter the cells. Inspect the cables, clamps and hold-down brackets regularly. Clean and reapply a light coating of petroleum jelly when needed. Have corroded or damaged parts replaced. If the engine is to be out of service for more than 30 days, remove batteries and store in a cool dry place. Keep batteries fully charged, if possible. Replace any battery that fails to hold a charge.
When batteries are being charged and tested, an explosive gas forms inside the battery. Some of this gas escapes through the holes in the vent plugs or vents in the battery cover and may form an explosive atmosphere around the battery itself if ventilation is poor. Sparks or flames can ignite this gas, causing an explosion which can shatter the battery. Flying pieces of the battery structure and a splash of the electrolyte can cause personal injury.
Reversing battery polarity can also result in personal injury caused by the sudden discharge of electrolyte from the battery vents and/or sudden rupture of the battery case caused by explosion of internal hydrogen gas.
