MAINTENANCE
31
Over the life of the battery, a considerable amount of water is consumed. It is
important that the water used be pure and free of contaminants that could reduce
the life of the battery by reducing the chemical reaction. The water must be distilled
or purified by an efficient filtration system. Even if the water is colorless, odorless,
tasteless and fit for drinking, the water should be analyzed to see that it does not
exceed the impurity levels specified in the table.
An automatic watering gun or a battery watering jug, available from many auto
parts stores may be used to fill the batteries. These watering devices are accurate,
easy to use and allow for rapid filling. They also maintain the correct electrolyte
level within the battery cells.
NOTICE: The watering device should only be used if the electrolyte level is less than 1/2” (13 mm) above top of plates.
Electrolyte in a storage battery is an acid solution which can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. Treat all elec-
trolyte spills to the body and eyes with extended flushing with clear water. Contact a physician immediately.
Any electrolyte spills should be neutralized with a solution of 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
dissolved in 1 quart (1 liter) of water and flushed with water.
Always wear a safety shield or approved safety goggles when adding water or charging batteries.
Cleaning Batteries
When cleaning the outside of the batteries and terminals, do not use a water hose
without first spraying the batteries with a solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbon-
ate) and water to neutralize any acid deposits. Use of a water hose without first
neutralizing the acid will move the acid from the top of the batteries to another area
of the vehicle or storage facility, where it will attack the metal structure or the con-
crete/asphalt floor. After hosing down the batteries, a residue will be left on the bat-
teries, which is conductive and will contribute to the discharge of the batteries.
To prevent battery damage, be sure that all bat-
tery caps are tightly installed.
The batteries are located under the seat. The batteries can be accessed by raising and removing the seat bottom and battery
cover.
Water Purity Table
Impurity
Parts Per
Million
Color
Suspended
Total Solids
Calcium & Magnesium Oxides
Iron
Ammonia
Organic & Volatile Matter
Nitrites
Nitrates
Chloride
Clear
Trace
100
40
5
8
50
5
10
5
Pure Water
Valve consistently fills
to a predetermined level
Electrolyte Level
Single Battery Cell
Automatic Watering Gun
Hand Held Watering Device
Distilled Water
Electrolyte Level
Single Battery Cell
Valve consistently fills
to a predetermined level
1 quart
(1 liter)
Clear Water
Plastic
Spray
Bottle
2 Teaspoons
(10 ml)
Sodium
Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
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