Winter Storage Of Batteries; Battery Charging System; Description - Mercury 45 Jet 50-55 Service Manual

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 possi-
ble and remove all grease, sulfate and dirt from top sur-
face by running water over top of battery. Be sure, how-
ever, that vent caps are tight beforehand, and blow off
all excess water thoroughly with compressed air.
Check water level, making sure that plates are cov-
ered.
2. When adding distilled water to battery, be extremely
careful not to fill more than 3/16" (4.8mm) over plate in-
side battery. Battery solution or electrolyte expands
from heat caused by charging. Overfilling battery will
cause electrolyte to overflow (if filled beyond 3/16"
over plate).
3. Grease terminal bolts well with Quicksilver 2-4-C Ma-
rine Lubricant, and store battery in COOL-DRY place.
Remove battery from storage every 30-45 days, check
water level (add water if necessary), and put on charge
for 5 or 6 hours at 6 amperes. DO NOT FAST
CHARGE.
4. If specific gravity drops below 1.240, check battery for
reason, and then recharge. When gravity reaches
1.260, discontinue charging. To check specific gravity,
use a hydrometer, which can be purchased locally.
5. Repeat preceding charging procedure every 30-45
days, as long as battery is in storage. When ready to
place battery back in service, remove excess grease
from terminals (a small amount is desirable on termi-
nals at all times), recharge again as necessary and re-
install battery.
WARNING
!
Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced during nor-
mal battery operation or charging. Sparks or flame can
cause this mixture to ignite and explode, if they are
brought near the battery. Sulfuric acid in battery can
cause serious burns, if spilled on skin or in eyes. Flush
or wash away immediately with clear water.

Battery Charging System

Description

The battery charging system components are the stator,
rectifier or voltage regulator/rectifier and the battery. Alter-
nating current is generated in the stator alternator coils and
flows to the rectifier. The rectifier changes the alternating
current to direct current for charging the battery.
90-817643R1 DECEMBER 1996
Some models are equipped with either a voltage regulator
or a voltage regulator/rectifier. The voltage regulator
senses battery voltage and allows the correct amount of di-
rect current to charge the battery.
Models Equipped With Rectifier
c
a - Stator
b - Rectifier
c - Battery
Models Equipped With Regulator/Rectifier
a
a - Stator
b - Regulator/Rectifier
c - Battery
The charging system may be damaged by: 1) reversed bat-
tery cables, 2) running the engine with battery cables dis-
connected and stator leads connected to rectifier, and 3)
and open circuit, such as a broken wire or loose connec-
tion.
a
b
b
c
ELECTRICAL and IGNITION - 2B-3