Kohler Command PRO ECH630 Service Manual page 79

Battery
General
A 12-volt batt ery with 400 cold cranking amps is
generally recommended for starting in all conditions.
A smaller capacity batt ery is oft 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 batt ery capacity
shrinks. Refer also to the operating instructions for the
piece of equipment for specifi c batt ery requirements.
Battery Size Recommendations
Temperature
Above 32°F (0°C)
0°F to 32°F (-18°C to 0°C)
-5°F to 0°F (-21°C to -18°C)
-10°F (-23°C) or below
If the batt ery charge is not suffi cient to turn over the
engine, recharge the batt ery.
Battery Maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary to prolong batt ery
life.
WARNING: Explosive Gas!
Batt eries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being
charged. To prevent a fi re or explosion, charge batt eries only
in well ventilated areas. Keep sources of ignition away from
the batt ery at all times. Keep batt eries out of the reach of
children. Remove all jewelry when servicing batt 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 batt ery. Poor
performance or early failure due to loss
of electrolyte will result.
Battery Test
To test the batt ery, you will need a DC voltmeter.
Perform the following steps (see Figure 7-2):
Batt ery Required
200 cca minimum
250 cca minimum
300 cca minimum
400 cca minimum
Figure 7-2. Battery Voltage Test.
Electrical System and Components
2. Keep the cables, terminals, and external surfaces
of the batt ery clean. A build-up of corrosive acid
or grime on the external surfaces can cause the
batt 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.
1. Connect the voltmeter across the batt ery
terminals.
2. Crank the engine. If the batt ery drops below 9
volts while cranking, the batt ery is too small,
discharged, or faulty.
Section 7
7
DC Voltmeter
Battery
7.3