MAINTENANCE
Return to Section TOC
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
WARNING
GASES FROM BATTERY can explode.
• Keep sparks, flame, and cigarettes away from battery.
BATTERY ACID can burn eyes and skin.
•Wear gloves and eye protection and be careful when working near a battery. Follow the instructions printed on the battery.
CHECKING SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Check each battery cell with a hydrometer. A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity of 1.260. Charge the battery if the reading is below 1.215.
NOTE: Correct the specific gravity reading by adding four gravity points (0.004) for every five degrees the electrolyte temperature is above 80 degrees F (27 degrees (C). Subtract four gravity points (.004) for every five degrees the electrolyte temperature is below 80 degrees F (27 degrees C).
CHECKING ELECTROLYTE LEVEL: If battery cells are low, fill them to the neck of the filler hole with dis- tilled water and recharge. If one cell is low, check for leaks.
Return to Section TOC
Return to Section TOC
Return to Section TOC
Return to Master TOC
Return to Master TOC
Return to Master TOC
Return to Master TOC
To prevent EXPLOSION when:
•INSTALLING A NEW BATTERY - Disconnect the negative cable from the old battery first and connect to the new battery last.
•THE CORRECT POLARITY IS NEGATIVE GROUND - Damage to the engine alternator and the printed cir- cuit board can result from incorrect connection.
•CONNECTING A BATTERY CHARGER - Remove the battery from the welder by disconnecting the negative cable first, then the positive cable and battery clamp. When reinstalling, connect the negative cable last. Keep the area well ventilated.
•USING A BOOSTER - Connect the positive lead to the battery first, then connect the negative lead to the engine foot.
•To prevent BATTERY BUCKLING, tighten the nuts on the battery clamp until snug.
CLEANING THE BATTERY: Keep the battery clean by wiping it with a damp cloth when dirty. If the termi- nals appear corroded, disconnect the battery cables and wash the terminals with an ammonia solution or a solution of 1/4 pound (0.113 kg) of baking soda and 1 quart (0.946 l) of water. Be sure the battery vent plugs (if equipped) are tight so that none of the solution enters the cells.
After cleaning, flush the outside of the battery, the bat- tery compartment, and surrounding areas with clear water. Coat the battery terminals lightly with petroleum jelly or a
Keep the battery clean and dry. Moisture accumulation on the battery can lead to more rapid discharge and early battery failure.
CHARGING THE BATTERY: The Commander 400 is equipped with a wet charged battery. The charging current is automatically regulated when the battery is low (after starting the engine) to a trickle current when the battery is fully charged.
When you charge, jump, replace, or otherwise connect battery cables to the battery, be sure the polarity is cor- rect. Improper polarity can damage the charging cir- cuit. The Commander 400 charging system is NEG- ATIVE GROUND. The positive (+) battery terminal has a red terminal cover.
If you need to charge the battery with an external charger, disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable before you attach the charger leads. After the battery is charged, reconnect the positive bat- tery cable first and the negative cable last. Failure to do so can result in damage to the internal charger com- ponents.
Follow the instructions of the battery charger manufac- turer for proper charger settings and charging time.
