Battery Charging Circuit - Westerbeke 4.5 BCG Operator's Manual

BATTERY CHARGING CIRCUIT
The DC Circuit on the BCG ·functions to start, operate and
st.op the generator's engine. The circuit is best understood by
reviewing the DC Wrring Diagram and Wrring Schematic.
The engine's DC wiring is designed with three simple basic
circuits: start, run and stop.
The engine has a
12
volt DC electrical control circuit that is
shown on the Wrring Diagrams. Refer to these diagrams
when troubleshooting or when servicing the DC electrical
system or the engine.
. BAnERIES
A
CAUTION:
To avoid damage to the battery charg-
ing circut, never shut off the engine battery switch
while the engine is running. Shut off the engine battery
switch, however. to avoid electrical shorts when work-
ing on the engine's electrical circuit.
Specifications
The minimum recommended capacity .of the battery used in
the engine's 12-volt DC control circuit is
400
CCA.
BATTERY CHARGER
The generator supplies a continuous 10 amp charge from its
battery charger to the starting battery. To test the battery
charger put a multimeter between the positive (
+)
and
negative(-) leads to the battery. It should indicate 13.5V
.to
14V with the engine running. If only the battery voltage 1s.
indicated, check that the battery charger terminal connections
are tight. With the unit running, test between the (
+)
and (-)
tenninals fod3.5V to 14V. If no charge is i9dicated, replace
the charger.
NOTE: FOR THE DESCRIPTION AND TESTING OF THE BATTERY CHARGEH
(INTEGRAL CONTROLLER), REFER TO THE FOLLOWING PAGE.
Battery Maintenance
Review the manufacturer's recommendations and then estab-
lish a systematic maintenance schedule for your engine's
starting batteries and house batteries.
• Monitor your voltmeter for proper charging during engine
operation.
• Check the electrolyte level and specific gravity with a
hydrometer .
• Use only distilled water to bring electrolytes to a proper
level.
• Make certain that battery cable connections are clean and
tight to the battery posts (and to your engine).
• Keep your batteries clean and free of corrosion.
A
WARNING:
Sulfuric acid in lead batteries can
cause severe bums on skin and damage clothing. Wear
protective gear.
Engines
&:
GeneratoI.s.
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