BATTERY CHARGING AND STARTING SYSTEMS
Page 2B-6 90-826883R2 JUNE 1998
Charging A Discharged Battery
The following basic rules apply to any battery charging situation:
1. Any battery may becharged at any rate (inamperes) aslong asspilling ofelectrolyte
(fromviolentgassing)doesnotoccurandaslongaselectrolytetemperaturedoesnot
exceed 125° F (52° C). If spewing of electrolyte occurs, or if electrolyte temperature
exceeds 125° F, charging rate(inamperes)must be reduced ortemporarily haltedto
avoid damage to the battery.
2. Batteryisfullychargedwhen,overa2-hourperiodatalowchargingrate(inamperes),
all cells are gassing freely (not spewing liquid electrolyte), and no change in specific
gravity occurs. Full charge specific gravity is 1.260-1.275, corrected for electrolyte
temperature with electrolyte level at 3/16” (4.8mm) over plate. For most satisfactory
charging, lower charging rates in amperes are recommended.
3. If, after prolonged charging, specific gravity of at least 1.230 on all cells cannot be
reached, battery is not in optimum condition and will not provide optimum perform-
ance;however,itmaycontinuetoprovideadditionalservice,ifithasperformedsatis-
factorily in the past.
4. To check battery voltage while cranking engine with electric startermotor, place RED
(+) lead of tester on POSITIVE (+) battery terminal and BLACK (--) lead of tester on
NEGATIVE (--) battery terminal. If the voltage drops below 9-1/2volts whilecranking,
the battery is weak and should be recharged or replaced.
Winter Storage of Batteries
Battery companies are not responsible for battery damage, either in winter storage or in
dealer stock, if the following instructions are not observed:
1. Remove battery from its installation as soon as possible and remove all grease, sul-
fate and dirt from top surface by running water over top of battery. Be sure,however,
thatventcapsaretightbeforehandandblowoffallexcesswaterthoroughlywithcom-
pressed air. Check water level, making sure that plates are covered.
2. Whenaddingdistilledwatertobattery, be extremelycareful notto fillmore than3/16”
(4.8mm) over plate inside battery. Battery solution or electrolyte expands from heat
caused by charging. Overfilling battery will cause electrolyte to overflow (if filled be-
yond 3/16” over plate).
3. Greaseterminalboltswell with Quicksilver 2-4-CMarineLubricant,and store battery
in COOL-DRY place. Remove battery from storage every 30-45 days, check water
level (add water if necessary), and put on charge for 5 or 6 hours at 6 amperes. DO
NOT FAST CHARGE.
4. If specific gravity drops below 1.240, check battery for reason, and then recharge.
When gravity reaches 1.260, discontinue charging. To check specific gravity, use a
hydrometer, which can be purchased locally.
5. Repeatprecedingchargingprocedureevery30-45days,aslongas battery is instor-
age. When ready toplace battery back in service,remove excessgrease fromtermi-
nals(asmallamountis desirable on terminals at alltimes), rechargeagain asneces-
sary and re-install battery.
WARNING
Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced during normal battery operation or
charging.Sparksorflamecancausethismixturetoigniteandexplode,iftheyare
brought near the battery. Sulfuric acid in battery can cause serious burns, if
spilled on skin or in eyes. Flush or wash away immediately with clear water.
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