Toro 73449 Wheel Horse 314-8, Operator'S Manual

Page: 37 / 44

Maintenance
35
Checking Electrolyte Level
1. With the engine off, open the hood to see the
battery.
2. Open covers to see into the cells. The electrolyte
must be up to the lower part of the tube
(Fig. 40). Do not allow the electrolyte to get
below the plates. (Fig. 40).
3. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount
of distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the
Battery, page 35.
1
2
3
1262
Figure 40
1. Filler caps
2. Lower part of tube
3. Plates
Adding Water to the Battery
The best time to add distilled water to the battery is
just before you operate the machine. This lets the
water mix thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.
1. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.
2. Lift off the filler caps (Fig. 40).
3. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell
until the level is up to the lower part of the tube
(Fig. 40).
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the battery
because electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause
severe corrosion and damage to the chassis.
4. Press the filler caps onto the battery.
Charging the Battery
IMPORTANT: Always keep the battery fully
charged (1.260 specific gravity). This is
especially important to prevent battery
damage when the temperature is below 32
°
F
(0
°
C).
1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to
Removing the Battery, page 34.
2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking
Electrolyte Level, page 35, steps 2–3.
3. Remove the filler caps from the battery and
connect a 3 to 4 amp battery charger to the
battery posts. Charge the battery at a rate of 4
amperes or less for 4 hours (12 volts). Do not
overcharge the battery. Install the filler caps after
the battery is fully charged.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•
Charging the battery produces gasses.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•
Battery gasses can explode.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•
Keep cigarettes, sparks and flames away
from battery.
4. Install the battery in the chassis; refer to
Installing the Battery, page 34.