7.3
Section 7
Electrical System and Components
7
If the battery charge is insufficient to turn over the
engine, recharge the battery.
Battery Maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary to prolong battery
life.
WARNING: Explosive Gas!
Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being charged.
To prevent a fire or explosion, charge batteries only in well
ventilated areas. Keep sources of ignition away from the
battery at all times. Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
Remove all jewelry when servicing batteries.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable, make sure
all switches are OFF. If ON, a spark will occur at the ground
cable terminal which could cause an explosion if hydrogen gas
or gasoline vapors are present.
1. Regularly check the level of electrolyte. Add
distilled water as necessary to maintain the
recommended level.
NOTE
: Do not overfill the battery. Poor
performance or early failure due to loss
of electrolyte will result.
Figure 7-2. Battery Voltage Test.
Battery
General
A 12-volt battery with 400 cold cranking amps (cca) is
generally recommended for starting in all conditions.
A smaller capacity battery is often sufficient if an
application is started only in warmer temperatures.
Refer to the following table for minimum capacities
based on anticipated ambient temperatures. The
actual cold cranking requirement depends on engine
size, application, and starting temperatures. The
cranking requirements increase as temperatures
decrease and battery capacity shrinks. Refer also to
the operating instructions of the equipment this
engine powers for specific battery requirements.
Battery Size Recommendations
2. Keep the cables, terminals, and external surfaces
of the battery clean. A build-up of corrosive acid
or grime on the external surfaces can cause the
battery to self-discharge. Self-discharge occurs
rapidly when moisture is present.
3. Wash the cables, terminals, and external surfaces
with a mild baking soda and water solution.
Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
NOTE
: Do not allow the baking soda solution to
enter the cells as this will destroy the
electrolyte.
Battery Test
To test the battery, you will need a DC voltmeter.
Perform the following steps (See Figure 7-2):
1. Connect the voltmeter across the battery
terminals.
2. Crank the engine. If the battery drops below 9
volts while cranking, the battery is too small,
discharged, or faulty.
DC Voltmeter
Battery
