Mercury V-6 series, User Manual

Page: 96 / 127

94
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. Batteries also produce
hydrogen and oxygen gases when being charged. This explo-
sive 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 battery 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 electro-
lyte is spilled or splashed on any part of the body, immediately
flush the exposed area with liberal amounts of water and ob-
tain medical aid as soon as possible.