Mercury 350 MAG MPI Horizon, Service Manual

Page: 58 / 74

56
CA478
Miscellaneous Maintenance
Battery
All lead acid batteries discharge when not in use. Recharge every 30 to 45 days or when specific gravity drops
below battery manufacturer’s specifications.
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 gasoline 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. Bat-
teries also produce hydrogen and oxygen gases when being charged. This explosive gas escapes fill/
vent cell caps and may form an explosive atmosphere around the battery for several hours after it has
been charged. Sparks or flames can ignite the gas and cause an explosion which may shatter the bat-
tery and could cause blindness or other serious injury.
Safety glasses and rubber gloves are recommended when handling batteries or filling with electrolyte.
Hydrogen gases that escape from the battery during charging are explosive. When charging batteries,
be sure battery compartment or area where batteries are located, is well-vented. Battery electrolyte is
a corrosive acid and should be handled with care. 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.
CA962
Inspection And Maintenance
Inspect power package often, and at regular intervals, to help maintain its top operating performance and correct
potential problems before they occur. The entire power package should be checked carefully, including all
accessible engine parts.
Check for loose, damaged or missing parts, hoses and clamps; tighten or replace as required.
Check plug leads and electrical leads for damage.
Remove and inspect propeller. If badly nicked, bent or cracked, see your Authorized Mercury MerCruiser Dealer.
Repair nicks and corrosion damage on power package exterior finish. Use Quicksilver spray paints - see your
Authorized Mercury MerCruiser Dealer.