Ski-Doo Formula 500 1998, Shop Manual

Page: 235 / 398

Section 06 ELECTRICAL
Subsection 04 (BATTERY)
06-04-3
EXAMPLE NO. 1
Temperature below 27°C (80°F):
Hydrometer Reading: 1.250
Electrolyte temperature:
−
7°C (20°F)
Subtract .024 Sp. Gr.
Corrected Sp. Gr. is 1.226
EXAMPLE NO. 2
Temperature above 27°C (80°F):
Hydrometer Reading: 1.235
Electrolyte temperature: 38°C (100°F)
Add .008 Sp. Gr.
Corrected Sp. Gr. is 1.243
BATTERY STORAGE
Disconnect and remove battery from the vehicle.
Check electrolyte level in each cell, add distilled
water up to upper level line.
The battery must always be stored in fully
charged condition. If required, charge until specif-
ic gravity of 1.260 is obtained.
Clean battery terminals and cable connections us-
ing a wire brush. Apply a light coat of dielectric
grease (P/N 413 7017 00) or petroleum jelly on ter-
minals.
Clean battery casing and caps using a solution of
baking soda and water. Do not allow cleaning so-
lution to enter battery, otherwise it will destroy
the electrolyte. Rinse battery with clear water and
dry well using a clean cloth.
Store battery on a wooden shelf in a cool dry
place. Such conditions reduce self-discharging
and keep fluid evaporation to a minimum.
During the storage period, recheck electrolyte lev-
el and specific gravity readings at least every 40
days. As necessary, keep the battery at its upper
level line and near full charge as possible (trickle
charge).
ACTIVATION OF NEW BATTERY
A new battery is factory fresh dry charged. For
storage purposes, it is fitted with a temporary
sealing tube.
Do not remove the sealing tube or loosen battery
caps unless activation is desired.
In case of accidental premature removal of caps
or sealing tube, battery should be given a full
charge.
Perform the following operations anytime a new
battery is to be installed.
1. Remove the sealing tube from the vent elbow.
Install vent tube, included in the battery kit, to
battery elbow.
-
CAUTION
Do not install a partially charged battery on
a snowmobile since the casing might crack
at freezing temperature. The following chart
shows the freezing point of the electrolyte in
relation to the charge of the battery.
TEMPERATURE
CORRECTED
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY
BATTERY
CHARGE
FREEZING
POINT OF
ELECTROLYTE
1.260
1.230
1.200
1.170
1.110 Fully charged
3/4 charged
1/2 charged
1/4 charged
Discharged
-59°C
-40°C
-27°C
-18°C
-7°C
(-74°F)
(-40°F)
(-16°F)
(0°F)
(+19F)
-
CAUTION
Do not overfill.
-
CAUTION
Battery electrolyte temperature must not ex-
ceed 50°C (122°F). The casing should not
feel hot.
;
WARNING
Never charge or boost battery while in-
stalled on vehicle.
-
CAUTION
Prior to charging the battery, always remove
it from the vehicle to prevent electrolyte
spillage.
;
WARNING
Failure to remove the sealing tube could re-
sult in an explosion.