MAINTENANCE

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the Battery and Cables

1.Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cable first (B, Figure 22).

2.Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush until shiny.

3.Reinstall the battery and reattach the battery cables, positive cable first (see A, Figure 22)

4.Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petroleum jelly or non-conducting grease.

WARNING

Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks away from the battery.

When removing or installing battery cables, disconnect the negative cable FIRST and reconnect it LAST. If not done in this order, the positive terminal can be shorted to the frame by a tool.

BATTERY CHARGING

WARNING

A dead battery or one too weak to start the engine

Keep open flames and sparks away from the

may be the result of a defect in the charging system or

battery; the gasses coming from it are highly

other electrical component. If there is any doubt about

explosive. Ventilate the battery well during

the cause of the problem, see your dealer. If you need

charging.

to replace the battery, follow the steps under Cleaning

 

the Battery & Cables in the Regular Maintenance

 

 

Section.

Reproduction

To charge the battery, follow the instructions provided

for

by the battery charger manufacturer as well as all

 

 

warnings included in the safety rules sections of this

 

 

 

Not

 

book. Charge the battery until fully charged. Do not

 

 

charge at a rate higher than 10 amps.

 

 

 

STORAGE

 

 

 

WARNING

Before you store your unit for the off-seas n, read the

 

Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed,

Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety

 

p orly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can

Rules section, then perform the following steps:

 

travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace,

• Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, &

 

 

water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion.

remove the key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and

 

 

 

 

• Perform engine maintenance and storage

 

animals.

measures listed in the engine own

r’s manual.

 

 

This includes draining the fuel syst

m, or adding

 

 

stabilizer to the fuel (do not store a fueled unit in an enclosed structure - see warning).

• Battery life will be increased if it is removed, put in a cool, dry place and fully charged about once a month. If the battery is left in the unit, disconnect the negative cable.

Before starting the unit after it has been stored:

•Check all fluid levels. Check all maintenance items.

•Perform all recommended checks and procedures found in the engine owner’s manual.

•Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes before use.

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