Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
4.8.2. Battery Installation (Continued)
3.Connect negative
NEGATIVE
TERMINAL
FRONT
FIGURE 4.16
4.Reinstall positive terminal insulator.
5.Install seat/pedestal. Tighten seat knobs securely.
WARNING
Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover located on battery harness. This prevents metal from touching the positive terminal, which could cause sparks.
WARNING
The electrolyte (acid) produces a highly explosive gas. Keep all sparks, flame and fire away from area when charging battery or when handling electrolyte or battery. Electrolyte (acid) is a highly corrosive liquid. Wear eye protection. Wash affected areas immediately after having eye or skin contact with electrolyte (acid). Battery acid is corrosive. Rinse empty acid containers with water and mutilate before discarding. If acid is spilled on battery, bench, or clothing, etc., flush with clear water and neutralize with baking soda.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to charge battery while installed on the Riding Mower. DO NOT use “BOOST” chargers on the battery. DO NOT OVERFILL!
4.8.3. Battery Service
1.Remove battery. Refer to Section “BATTERY REMOVAL”.
2.Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level surface.
3.Using distilled water, refill cells as required to cover cell plates.
4.With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to battery terminals. Red to positive (+) terminal and black to negative
5.Slow charge battery at 1 amp for 10 hours.
6.If battery will not accept charge or is partially charged after 10 hours of charging at 1 amp, replace with new battery.
4.8.4. Battery Storage
If machine is to be stored out of season, it is recommended the battery be removed, charged and stored. If the machine is stored out of season on its rear bumper, the battery must be removed, charged and stored.
1.Remove battery. Refer to Section “BATTERY REMOVAL”.
2.Perform battery service.
3.Bring battery to full charge, if required.
4.Store battery in an area away from the RIDER on a wood surface. DO NOT STORE BATTERY ON A CONCRETE SURFACE.
4.8.5.Battery Testing
There are two types of battery tests: Unloaded and Loaded. The unloaded test is the procedure that will be discussed. It’s the simplest and most commonly used. An unloaded test is made on a battery without discharging current. To perform unloaded testing, check charge condition using either a hydrometer or voltmeter.
1.Using a voltmeter, voltage readings appear instantly to show the state of charge. Remember to hook the positive lead to the battery’s positive terminal, and the negative lead to the negative terminal. Measure the battery voltage and compare to the voltages listed in the “BATTERY CONDITION CHART” in this manual to determine condition of battery.
2.A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the electrolytes in each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265 to 1.280 indicates full charge. A reading of 1.230 to 1.260 indicates the battery should be charged. The “Battery Condition Chart” included in this manual shows the charge level as measured by syringe float hydrometer, digital voltmeter and five ball hydrometer.
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