MerCruiser 496 MAG Bravo, User Manual

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Section 5 - Maintenance
90-864839061 NOVEMBER 2006 Page 81
Battery
Refer to specific instructions and warnings accompanying your battery. If this information
is not available, observe the following precautions when handling a battery.
!
WARNING
Avoid serious injury from fire or explosion. Do not use jumper cables and a booster battery
to start engine. Do not recharge a weak battery in the boat. Remove battery and recharge
in a ventilated area away from fuel vapors, sparks or flames.
!
WARNING
Batteries contain acid which can cause severe burns. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and
clothing. If electrolyte is spilled or splashed on any part of the body, immediately flush
the exposed area with liberal amounts of water and obtain medical aid as soon as
possible. Safety glasses and rubber gloves are recommended when handling batteries
or filling with electrolyte.
Multiple EFI Engine Battery Precautions
Alternators:
Alternators are designed to charge the battery that supplies electrical power
to the engine that the alternator is mounted on. When batteries for 2 different engines are
connected, one alternator will supply all of the charging current for both batteries. Normally,
the other engine's alternator will not be required to supply any charging current.
EFI Electronic Control Module (ECM):
The ECM requires a stable voltage source. During
multiple engine operation, an onboard electrical device may cause a sudden drain of
voltage at the engine's battery. The voltage may go below the ECM's minimum required
voltage. Also, the alternator on the other engine may now start charging. This could cause
a voltage spike in the engine's electrical system.
In either case, the ECM could shut off. When the voltage returns to the range that the ECM
requires, the ECM will reset itself, and the engine will operate normally. The ECM shuts off
and resets itself so quickly that the engine may only seem to have an ignition miss.
Batteries:
Boats with multi‑engine EFI power packages require each engine be connected
to its own battery. This ensures that the engine's ECM has a stable voltage source.
Battery Switches:
Battery switches should always be positioned so each engine is
operating off of its own battery. Do not operate engines with switches in both or all position.
In an emergency, another engine's battery can be used to start an engine with a dead
battery.
Battery Isolators:
Isolators can be used to charge an auxiliary battery used for powering
accessories in the boat. They should not be used to charge the battery of another engine
in the boat unless the type of isolator is specifically designed for this purpose.
Generators:
The generators battery should be considered another engine's battery.
Cleaning The Flame Arrestor
!
WARNING
Avoid gasoline fire or explosion. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive
under certain conditions. Be careful when cleaning flame arrestor; ensure that ignition is
off. Do not smoke or allow sources of spark or open flame in area when cleaning flame
arrestor.