Evinrude 4906B 4HP 1969, Owner'S Manual

Page: 192 / 422

3- Using more electrical power than the
generator or al ternator can replace resul t-
ing in an undercharged condition.
4- A defect in the charging system. A
faul ty generator or al ternator system, a
defective regulator, or high resistance
somewhere in the system, could cause the
battery to become undercharged.
5- Failure to maintain the battery in
good order. This might indude a low level
of electrolyte in the cells; loose or dirty
cable connections at the battery terminals;
or possibly an excessivel y dirty battery top.
Electrol yte Level
The most common practice of checking
the electrol yte level in a battery is to
remove the cell cap and visually observe the
level in the vent well.
The bottom of each
vent well has a split vent which will cause
the surface of the electrolyte to appear
distorted when it makes contact. When the
distortion first appears at the bottom of the
split vent, the electrolyte level is correct.
Some late-model batteries have an elec-
trolyte-level indicator installed which oper-
ates in the following manner:
A transparent rod extends through the
center of one of the cell caps. The lower
One
of
the most effective means of cleaning the
battery terminals is to use a wire brush designed for
this specific purpose,
BATTERY SERVICE 6-3
tip of the rod is immersed in the electrolyte
when the level is correct. If the level
should drop below normal, the lower tip of
the rod is exposed and the upper end glows
as a warn ing to add water. Such a device is
only necessary on one cell cap because if
the electrolyte is low in one cell it is also
low in the other cells. BE SURE to replace
the cap with the indicator onto the second
cell from the positive terminal.
During hot weather and periods of heavy
use, the electrolyte level should be checked
more often than during normal operation.
Add colorless, odorless, drinking water to
bring the level of electrolyte in each cell to
the proper level. TAKE CARE not to
overfill, because adding an excessive
amount of water will cause loss of electro-
lyte and any loss will result in poor perform-
ance, short battery life, and will contribute
quickly to corrosion. NEVER add electro-
lyte from another battery. Use only dean
pure water.
Cleaning
Dirt and corrosion should be deaned
from the battery just as soon as it is dis-
covered. Any accumulation of acid film or
dirt will permit current to flow between the
terminals. Such a current flow will drain
the battery over a period of time.
Clean the exterior of the battery with a
solution of diluted ammonia or a soda solu-
tion to neutralize any acid which may be
present. Flush the deaning solution off
with dean water. TAKE CARE to prevent
any of the neutralizing solution from enter-
ing the cells, by keeping the caps tight.
A poor contact at the terminals will add
An inexpensive brush can be rnrchased
and
used
to
clean battery lead connectors
to
ensure
a
proper con-
nection.