Electrical System Maintenance; Stray Current Corrosion - Four winns 338 Vista Owner's Manual

H - 10 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
A. Battery Maintenance
Be sure to keep the batteries charged. Also, keep
the batteries clean, especially the terminals and
con nection lugs. Be sure the batteries are fas tened
securely while in use.
Check the battery fluid level often, especially when a
charger/converter is being used. Replen ish a battery
indicating a low charge. Determine the reason for the
dis charge. Lack of battery usage is as detrimental to
battery longevi ty as is overuse. Alternating battery
usage is impor tant. Refer to the battery manufactur-
er's instruc tions included with your battery.
Batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen gases
when being charged. These explosive gases
escape through the vent/fill caps and may form
an explosive atmosphere around the battery if
the ventilation is poor. This gas may remain
around the battery for several hours after
charging. Sparks or flames can ignite the gas
and cause an explosion.
Fire or Explosion Hazard!
Only qualified personnel should install batteries
and perform electrical system maintenance.
Do not expose batteries to open flame or
sparks. Do not smoke near batteries.
Poison!
Sulfuric acid in batteries can cause severe
burns. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or
clothing. Wear goggles, rubber gloves and
protective apron when working with batteries.
In case of skin contact, flush with water at least
15 minutes. If swallowed, drink large quantities
of water or milk. Follow with Milk of Magnesia,
beaten egg or vegetable oil. Get medical
attention immediately.
Electrical Systems - Section H
Disconnect the battery before working on
electrical or ignition system to prevent electrical
shock and accidental ignition.
B. Electrical Wiring Maintenance
Periodically, inspect all wiring for nicks, chaffing,
brittle ness, improper support, etc. Examine the shore
power cord closely for insulation cracks and corrosion
in the electrical devices. Spraying the receptacles and
electrical connections with an
electrical connection cleaner will reduce corrosion
and improve electri cal continuity.
DO NOT allow corrosion to build up on con nec-
tions. Shorts or ground faults can result.
The entire 120 (220) volt circuitry, especially the shore
power cord, should be seasonally tested for proper
continuity by an experienced marine electri cian. This
will help detect any short, open wire, or ground fault.
Also, check the polarity indicator system for proper
operation.
120 (220) volt AC electrical power can be danger-
ous. DO NOT attempt to service a system unless
you are familiar with, and expe rienced in, perform-
ing such service.
H - 11 STRAY CURRENT CORROSION
A. General
Electrically induced underwater corrosion occa sionally
affects boats and their related compo nents. This is
referred to as "Stray Current Corro sion" and appears
as surface pitting or deteri oration. Stray current
corrosion is the de composi tion of chemi cal com-
pounds by electric current.
Stray current corrosion can be caused by sur rounding
boats; an improp erly wired battery/char ger instal la tion
or other boats that are in close proximity which have
electrical power leakages. Stern drive units are
especially vulnerable to stray current corrosion.
Owner's Manual Page 77