Winter Storage Of Batteries; Battery Charging System Troubleshooting Description - Mercury 40 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
possible and remove all grease, sulfate and dirt
from top surface by running water over top of bat-
tery. Be sure, however, that vent caps are tight
beforehand, and blow off all excess water thor-
oughly with compressed air. Check water level,
making sure that plates are covered.
2. When adding distilled water to battery, be ex-
tremely careful not to fill more than 3/16" (4.8mm)
over plate inside battery. Battery solution or elec-
trolyte expands from heat caused by charging.
Overfilling battery will cause electrolyte to over-
flow (if filled beyond 3/16" (4.8 mm) over plate).
3. Grease terminal bolts well with Quicksilver 2-4-C
Marine Lubricant, and store battery in COOL-
DRY place. Remove battery from storage every
30-45 days, check water level (add water if nec-
essary), 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 bat-
tery 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, re-
move excess grease from terminals (a small
amount is desirable on terminals at all times), re-
charge again as necessary and re-install battery.
WARNING
Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced dur-
ing normal battery operation or charging. Sparks
or flame can cause this mixture to ignite and ex-
plode if they are brought near the battery. Sulfu-
ric acid in battery can cause serious burns, if
spilled on skin or in eyes. Flush or wash away im-
mediately with clear water.
2B-6 - ELECTRICAL
Battery Charging System
Troubleshooting
Description
The battery charging system components are the
stator, voltage regulator/rectifier and the battery.
Alternating current is generated in the stator alterna-
tor coils and flows to the regulator/rectifier. The recti-
fier changes the alternating current to direct current
for charging the battery and the regulator senses bat-
tery voltage and allows the correct amount of direct
current to charge the battery.
The charging system may be damaged by:
a. Reversed battery cables.
b. Running the engine with battery cables dis-
connected and stator leads connected to reg-
ulator/rectifier.
c. Open circuit, such as a broken wire or loose
connection.
a
b
a - Stator
b - Voltage Regulator/Rectifier
c - Start Solenoid
d - 12V Battery
A fault in the battery charging system usually will
cause the battery to become undercharged. Check
battery electrolyte level, and charge battery. See
"Electrolyte Level", and "Charging a Discharged Bat-
tery".
If battery will not accept a satisfactory charge, re-
place battery.
If battery accepts a satisfactory charge, determine
the cause of the charging system problem as follows.
d
c
90-852572R1 JANUARY 1998