Battery Cables; Batteries And Connections - Volvo Penta 3.0GL-B Operator's Manual

Maintenance

Battery cables

The following are the minimum specifications for stranded cop-
per cables from the motor to the battery for all models. The
maximum length is 20 feet regardless of cable diameter.
· 0 to 10 ft. (3.05 m) require a 1/0 AWG (80 MWG) cable
· 10 to 15 ft. (3.05 to 4.6 m) require a 2/0 AWG (100 MWG)
cable
· 15 to 20 ft. (4.6 to 6.1 m) require a 3/0 AWG (120 MWG)
cable
CAUTION!
Do not use aluminum core battery cables. Failure to
use battery cables of recommended gauge and mate-
rial could result in poor starting and electrical com-
ponent damage.
64

Batteries and connections

NOTE! Whenever you replace your battery, read and
understand the information supplied with it
before you begin installation.
1. The engine starting battery must be a heavy duty, 12-volt,
650 CCA battery constructed for marine use.
CAUTION!
Do not use deep cycle batteries on EFI engines. A
deep cycle battery, while it may have enough cold
cranking amps (CCA), will cause problems with EFI
engines. The correct starting battery for all Volvo
Penta EFI engines is a standard marine battery with a
minimum of 650 CCA and a minimum of 135 minutes
reserve capacity.
3.0GS-B, 3.0GS-C, and 4.3GL-A models use a heavy-duty,
12-volt 360 CCA battery.)
NOTE! It is important that the battery connections are
correct. The negative battery cable must be
attached to the negative terminal (–) on the
battery, and the engine's positive cable must
be attached to the positive terminal (+) on the
battery.
2. All other batteries must be heavy duty and constructed for
marine use. They can be either vented/refillable, mainte-
nance- free, or deep-cycle with a CCA or INCA rating.
3. Use bolts and nuts to secure battery cables to the battery
terminals. Do not use wing nuts to secure battery cables,
even if they were supplied with the battery.
4. Tighten all battery connections. Loose battery connections
may cause damage to the engine's electrical system.
5. Service electrical components only while the engine is off.
Be careful when identifying positive and negative battery
cables and terminals. If you touch the wrong terminal with
a battery cable, even briefly, the motor's charging system
may be damaged.
CAUTION!
The battery terminal connections must always be in-
sulated. If the battery mounting system does not cover
the connections, install protective covers. This will
help prevent shorting or arcing at the battery termi-
nals.
7741591 / 2003-12