7
7.3
Section 7
Electrical System and Components
Battery
General
A 12-volt ba ery with 400 cold cranking amps is
generally recommended for starting in all conditions.
A smaller capacity ba ery is o en suffi cient if an
application is started only in warmer temperatures.
Refer to the following table for minimum cold
cranking amp (cca) capacities, based on anticipated
ambient temperatures. The actual cold cranking
requirement depends on engine size, application, and
starting temperatures. The cranking requirements
increase as temperatures decrease and ba ery capacity
shrinks. Refer also to the operating instructions for the
piece of equipment for specifi c ba ery requirements.
Battery Size Recommendations
If the ba ery charge is not suffi cient to turn over the
engine, recharge the ba ery.
Battery Maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary to prolong ba ery
life.
WARNING: Explosive Gas!
Ba eries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being
charged. To prevent a fi re or explosion, charge ba eries only
in well ventilated areas. Keep sources of ignition away from
the ba ery at all times. Keep ba eries out of the reach of
children. Remove all jewelry when servicing ba eries.
Before disconnecting the negative (-) ground cable, make
sure all switches are OFF. If ON, a spark will occur at the
ground cable terminal, which could cause an explosion if
hydrogen gas or gasoline vapors are present.
1. Regularly check the level of electrolyte. Add
distilled water as necessary to maintain the
recommended level.
NOTE: Do not overfi ll the ba ery. Poor
performance or early failure due to loss
of electrolyte will result.
2. Keep the cables, terminals, and external surfaces
of the ba ery clean. A build-up of corrosive acid
or grime on the external surfaces can cause the
ba ery to self-discharge. Self-discharge occurs
rapidly when moisture is present.
3. Wash the cables, terminals, and external surfaces
with a mild baking soda and water solution.
Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
NOTE: Do not allow the baking soda solution
to enter the cells, as this will destroy the
electrolyte.
Battery Test
To test the ba ery, you will need a DC voltmeter.
Perform the following steps (see Figure 7-2):
1. Connect the voltmeter across the ba ery
terminals.
2. Crank the engine. If the ba ery drops below 9
volts while cranking, the ba ery is too small,
discharged, or faulty.
Figure 7-2. Battery Voltage Test.
DC Voltmeter
Battery
Temperature Ba ery Required
Above 32°F (0°C) 200 cca minimum
0°F to 32°F (-18°C to 0°C) 250 cca minimum
-5°F to 0°F (-21°C to -18°C) 300 cca minimum
-10°F (-23°C) or below 400 cca minimum
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