Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
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. DO NOT attempt to charge battery while installed on the RIDER. DO NOT use “BOOST” chargers on the battery.
4.6.3. 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 of which can also be visualized through the plastic battery case.
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.
4.6.4. BATTERY STORAGE
If mower is to be stored out of season on its rear bumper, it is recommended the battery 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.
4.6.5.NEW BATTERY PREPARATION 1. Remove battery from carton.
2. Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level
3. Remove battery cell caps. Fill cells as required with electrolyte (purchased separately) to proper level. Fill to 3/16” above cell plates. Filling battery with electrolyte will bring the battery to 80% charged state.
4. With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to battery terminals; RED to positive (+) and BLACK to negative
IMPORTANT: 3/16” above cell plates is the recommended level. DO NOT place anything in battery other than specified electrolyte.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to charge battery while installed on the Riding Mower. DO NOT use “BOOST” chargers on the battery. DO NOT OVERFILL!
5.Slow charge the battery at 1 amp for 2 hours to bring the battery to full charge.
6.After charging, check level of electrolyte and add as needed to bring level to 3/16” above cell plates.
7.Reinstall cell caps.
8.Slide battery partially into battery housing.
9.Connect positive (+) cable (red) first, from wiring harness to the positive terminal (+) on battery using bolt and nut provided in hardware bag. Connect negative
10.Insert battery completely into battery housing.
11.Reinstall battery cover. See Figure 4.16.
WARNING
Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover located on battery harness. This prevents metal from touching the positive terminal which could cause sparks.
4.6.6.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.
2.A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of 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 chart on the next page shows the charge level as measured by syringe float hydrometer, digital voltmeter and five ball hydrometer.
(Battery Testing Chart on Next Page)
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