Briggs & Stratton 271172 manual Batteries, Battery and Cable Recommendations, Battery Installation

BATTERIES

A 12 Volt, lead acid, wet cell battery is required to operate starter motors on Briggs & Stratton OHV single cylinder engines. This type is available as a wet charge or dry charge battery. The wet charged maintenance-free battery is filled with electrolyte and sealed at the time production. The level of electrolyte cannot be checked.

The dry charge battery requires electrolyte to be added at the time the battery is placed in service. Before activating a dry charge battery, read and follow the manufacturer’s recommended procedure.

WARNING

Storage batteries give off explosive hydro- gen gas during recharging.

Slightest spark will ignite hydrogen and cause explosion.

Battery electrolyte fluid contains acid and is extremely caustic.

Contact with battery contents will cause severe chemical burns.

A battery presents a risk of electrical shock and high short circuit current.

•DO NOT dispose of a battery in a fire.

•DO NOT allow any open flame, spark, heat, or lit cigarette during and for several minutes after charging a battery.

•DO NOT open or mutilate the battery.

•Wear protective goggles, rubber apron, and rubber gloves.

•Remove watches, rings, or other metal objects.

•Use tools with insulated handles.

Battery and Cable Recommendations

These battery size recommendations are based on minimum temperature expected and correct weight of oil being used.

•30 Amp. Hr. +20ºF (-6ºC) or higher

•40 Amp. Hr. -5ºF (-20ºC) or higher

•50 Amp. Hr. -15ºF (-26ºC) or higher

These cable sizes are based on total distance from battery positive (+) post to starter switch or solenoid and to starter, plus the ground return to the battery negative (-) post.

•#6 AWG - 4 ft. (1.2m) or less

•#5 AWG - 5 ft. (1.5m) or less

•#4 AWG - 6 ft. (1.8m) or less

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds - chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Battery Installation

1.Before installing battery, connect all equipment to be operated.

2.Place battery in holder with a flat base. Tighten holder down evenly until snug. DO NOT over tighten.

3.Connect positive (+) cable to positive battery post FIRST, to prevent sparks from accidental grounding. Tighten connector securely.

4.Connect negative (-) cable to negative battery post. Tighten connector securely.

Charging Battery

1.Clean the battery of all dirt and corrosion.

2.Clean, then lightly grease the terminals.

3.Bring battery to full charge using a taper charge (automatically reduces charge rate).

NOTE: Do not exceed charge rate of 1/10 ampere for every ampere of battery rating. Consult battery manufacturer for maximum charge recommendations.

NOTE: If battery gets hot to the touch or is spitting acid (gassing) excessively, unplug charger periodically.

4.With battery fully charged, check specific gravity readings of each cell with a temperature-compensated Battery Hydrometer (Figure 40). All readings should be above 1.250 (compensating for temperature). If specific gravity readings vary by .050 or if all cells read less than 1.225, replace battery.

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