Section 05 ELECTRICA L SYSTEM
Subsection 03 (CHARGING SYSTEM)
If the battery has just received a charge, wait 1-2
hours before taking a voltage reading.
Set multimeter to Vdc and measure voltage at bat-
tery terminals.
FULLY CHARGED BATTERY VOLTAGE (NO LOAD)
12.6 Vdc mini
mum
Storing the Battery
Disconnect and remove battery from watercraft
as explained in
REMOVING THE BATTERY
.
NOTICE
Battery storage is critical for battery
life. Always refer to the battery manufacturer's
instruction.
The battery
must always be stored fully charged.
NOTICE
Battery electrolyte temperature
must not exceed 50°C (122°F) during charging.
The battery casing should not feel hot to the
touch.
Clean battery posts and cable terminals using a
wire brush.
Clean battery casing and caps using a solution of
baking soda and water. Apply a light coat of dielec-
tric grease on battery posts and cable terminals.
Rinse batt
ery with clear water and dry well using
a clean clo
th.
Store battery in a cool dry place. Such conditions
reduce self-discharging and keep fluid evaporation
to a minimum. Keep battery away from dew, high
moisture and d irect sunlight.
AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE
CHARGING
FREQUENCY
Below 16°C (60°F)
Every mon
th
Above 16°C (60°F)
Every 2 weeks
WARNING
Batterie
s must always be stored out of reach
of childr
en.
Activating a New Battery
Refer to instruction provided with the battery.
Charging a Used Battery
To find the recommended charger current output
in amps for a specific battery, divide the battery
amp hour rating by 10. For example a 14 AH bat-
tery should be charged at 1.4 amps (14 AH ÷ 10
= 1.4 amp current).
WARNING
Never charge battery while installed in water-
craft.
For best results, battery should be c harged when
it is at room temperature. A battery that is cold
may not accept current for several hours after
charging has begun.
Do not charge a frozen battery. If the battery
charge is very low, the battery may freeze. If
you suspect the battery to be frozen, move it to a
heated area for about 2 hours (or more if required)
to let it thaw out before charging.
WARNING
Always charge a battery in a well ventilated
area.
The time req
uired to charge a battery will vary de-
pending on
several factors, such as:
– Battery temperature: The charging time is in-
creased for a cold battery as charging current
accepted by a cold battery will be lower than
for a warm battery. As the battery warms up,
it will accept a higher rate of charge.
– State of charge: As a battery discharges, it
gives up its stored energy. The greater the dis-
charge, the longer it will take to fully recharge
it.
–Typeofc
harger: Battery chargers vary in the
amount o
f voltage and current that they can
supply.
Charging a Very Flat or Completely
Dischar
ged Battery
The battery charger used should have an ad-
justable charging rate. A unit which can be
adjusted in small increments is acceptable.
The battery charger must be equipped with an am-
meter capable of accurately measuring current of
less than 1 ampere.
Unless
this procedure is properly followed, a good
batter
y may be needlessly replaced.
1. Measure the voltage at the battery posts with
an accurate voltmeter. If it is below 10 volts,
the battery will accept current at very low rate.
It could b e some time before the charging rate
increases. Such low current flow may not be
detectable on some charger ammeters and the
battery will not seem to accept the c harge.
2. Exceptionally for this particular case, set the
charger to a high rate.
219100963-013 127
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