Cushman MINUTE MISER, Technician'S Repair And Service Manual

Page: 48 / 119

BATTERIES AND CHARGING
Page E-3
Owner’s Manual and Service Guide
Read all of manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notes, Cautions and Warnings
approved water source (Ref Fig. 3 on page E-3). These
watering devices are fast and accurate to use and
maintain the correct electrolyte level within the battery
cells.
The watering device should only be used if the
electrolyte level is less than 1/2" (13 mm)
above top of plates.
Cleaning Batteries
When cleaning the outside of the batteries and terminals,
do not use a water hose without first spraying with a solu-
tion of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water to
neutralize any acid deposits.
Use of a water hose without first neutralizing any acid,
will move acid from the top of the batteries to another
area of the vehicle or storage facility where it will attack
the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. After
hosing down the batteries, a residue will be left on the
batteries which is conductive and will contribute to the
discharge of the batteries.
To prevent battery damage, be sure that
all battery caps are tightly installed.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and
sides of the batteries with a solution of sodium bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) and water. This solution is best applied
with a garden type sprayer equipped with a non metallic
spray wand. The solution should consist of 1/4 cup (60
ml) of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with 1 1/2
gallons (6 liters) of clear water (Ref Fig. 4 on page E-3).
In addition to the batteries, special attention should be
paid to metallic components adjacent to the batteries
which should also be sprayed with the sodium bicarbon-
ate (baking soda) solution.
Allow the solution to sit for at least three minutes; use a
soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the batteries
in order to remove any residue that could cause the self
discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low
pressure clear water. All of the items required for com-
plete battery cleaning and watering are contained in the
Battery Maintenance Kit.
Cleaning should take place once a month or more often
under extreme conditions.
Battery Replacement
Remove battery hold downs and cables. Lift out batteries
with a commercially available lifting device.
If the batteries have been cleaned and any acid in the
battery rack area neutralized as recommended, no corro-
sion to the battery racks or surrounding area should be
present. Any corrosion found should be immediately
removed with a putty knife and a wire brush. The area
should be washed with a solution of sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) and water and thoroughly dried before
priming and painting with a corrosion resistant paint.
Fig. 3 Automatic Watering Gun
Watering gun similar to the type included in the
E-Z-GO Battery Maintenance Kit
Pure Water
Valve consistently
fills to a
predetermined
level
Electrolyte
Level
Single Battery Cell
Fig. 4 Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution
1 1/2 gallons
(6 liters)
Clear Water
1/4 Cup (60 ml)
Sodium Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
Non Metalic
Wand
2 gallon (7.5 liter)
Garden Sprayer