MTD 504 - Page 10

BATTERY INFORMATION!
ELECTRIC START MODELS ONLY
Ac WARNING
A. Battery acid must be handled with great c are as
contact with it can burn and blister the skin. Ii is also
advisable to wear protective clothing (gogglos, rub¬
ber gloves and apron) when working with it.*
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected a ea im¬
mediately with clean cold water. If there is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it witf clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
Screwdrive r
FIGURE 12.
FIGURE 13.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty elec¬
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat¬
tery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen gas
generated during charging can be combustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well-ventilated area.
* Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
battery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
read previous warnings before activating the
battery.
1. Open the battery pack. Be careful not to puncture
the box. It contains the battery with a long plastic
tube attached, battery fluid (acid) in a plastic con¬
tainer, one short plastic tube and one hardware
pack (two hex bolts and nuts).
2. Place the battery on a table or workbench. Make
certain the long plastic drain tube is in place on
the vent elbow.
3. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the bat¬
tery with a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage
-the fill caps. See figure 12.
4. Place the battery fluid container on the table or
workbench. Carefully cut off tip of the spout and
attach the short plastic tube provided. Do not
squeeze the container when cutting tip.
5. Fill each battery cell slowly and carefully to the UP-
_PER LEVEL line marked on battery. See figure 13.
Use caution as the acid level will rise rapidly after
the bottom of the cell is filled.
6. Allow battery to stand for 30 minutes with the fill
caps removed, while the plates absorb acid.
7. If acid level has fallen after the 30 minute standing
period, refill each cell with battery acid to the UP¬
PER LEVEL line on battery. Replace the fill caps.
8. Before discarding the empty container, neutralize
any residue with baking soda and rinse container
with water. Puncture container several times
before discarding.
9. Charge the battery after the 30 minute standing
period. SLOW CHARGE THE BATTERY (DO NOT
FAST CHARGE) at a maximum bench rate of 1.4
amperes until the specific gravity reading is
1.260-1.280. Charge for a minimum of 2 hours and
a maximum of 8 hours.
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