Charging A Discharged Battery; Winter Storage Of Batteries - Mercury Optimax 115 Service Manual

CHARGING & STARTING SYSTEM
1. DO NOT smoke near batteries being charged or which have been charged very
recently.
2. DO NOT break live circuits at terminals of batteries because a spark usually occurs
at the point where a live circuit is broken. Always be careful when connecting or dis-
connecting cable clamps on chargers. Poor connections are a common cause of elec-
trical arcs which cause explosions.
3. DO NOT reverse polarity of battery terminal to cable connections.

Charging a Discharged Battery

Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced during normal battery operation or
charging. Sparks or flame can cause this mixture to ignite and explode, if they are
brought near the vent openings. Sulphuric acid in battery can cause serious
burns, if spilled on skin or in eyes. Flush or wash away immediately with clear wa-
ter.
The following basic rule applies to any battery charging situation:
1. Any battery may be charged at any rate (in amperes) or as long as spewing of electro-
lyte (from violent gassing) does not occur and for as long as electrolyte temperature
does not exceed 125 F (52 C). If spewing of electrolyte occurs, or if electrolyte tem-
perature exceeds 125 F, charging rate (in amperes) must be reduced or temporarily
halted to avoid damage to the battery.
2. Battery is fully charged when, over a 2-hour period at a low charging rate (in amperes),
all cells are gassing freely (not spewing liquid electrolyte), and no change in specific
gravity occurs. Full charge specific gravity is 1.260-1.275, corrected for electrolyte
temperature with electrolyte level at 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) over plate, unless electrolyte
loss has occurred (from age or over-filling) in which case specific gravity reading will
be lower. For most satisfactory charging, lower charging rates in amperes are recom-
mended.
3. If, after prolonged charging, specific gravity of at least 1.230 on all cells cannot be
reached, battery is not in optimum condition and will not provide optimum perform-
ance; however, it may continue to provide additional service, if it has performed satis-
factorily in the past.
4. To check battery voltage while cranking engine with electric starting motor, place RED
(+) lead of tester on POSITIVE (+) battery terminal and BLACK (–) lead of tester on
NEGATIVE (–) battery terminal. If the voltage drops below 9-1/2 volts while cranking,
the battery is weak and should be recharged or replaced.

Winter Storage of Batteries

Battery companies are not responsible for battery damage either in winter storage or in
dealer stock if the following instructions are not observed:
1. Remove battery from its installation as soon as possible and remove all grease, sul-
fate and dirt from top surface by running water over top of battery. Be sure, however,
that vent caps are tight beforehand, and blow off all excess water thoroughly with com-
pressed air. Check water level, making sure that plates are covered.
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90-855347R1 JANUARY 1999