Battery Maintenance, Optional Spark Arrestor

D-6

MAINTENANCE

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BATTERY MAINTENANCE

To access the battery, remove the screws from the rear battery tray using a screwdriver or a 3/8" socket. Slide the battery tray out only far enough to access the bat- tery terminals.

WARNING

GASES FROM BATTERY can explode.

•Keep sparks, flame, and cigarettes away from battery.

To prevent EXPLOSION when:

•INSTALLING A NEW BATTERY - Disconnect the negative cable from the old battery first and connect to the new battery last.

•CONNECTING A BATTERY CHARGER - Remove the battery from the welder by disconnecting the negative cable first, then the positive cable and bat- tery 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.

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.

CLEANING THE BATTERY

Keep the battery clean by wiping it with a damp cloth when dirty. If the terminals appear corroded, discon- nect 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 non-conductive grease to retard corrosion.

Keep the battery clean and dry. Moisture accumulation on the battery can lead to more rapid discharge and early battery failure.

CHECKING ELECTROLYTE LEVEL

If battery cells are low, fill them to the neck of the filler hole with distilled water and recharge. If one cell is low, check for leaks.

CHARGING THE BATTERY

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 Ranger 250 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.

OPTIONAL SPARK ARRESTOR

WARNING

MUFFLER MAY BE HOT.

Allow the engine to cool before installing the spark arrestor!

Do not operate the engine while installing the spark arrestor!

Clean the spark arrestor after every 100 hours of use.