Honda CB350 Repair Manual page 171

166
TROUBLESHOOTING
Electrical Troubleshooting (cont.)
Problem Possible Causes Inspection/Remedy
Spark plug electrodes
burned or overheated
Ignition timing incorrect
Mixture too lean
Adjust. Refer to Chapter 3.
See above.
Battery Troubleshooting
Problem
Probable Causes Inspection and Remedy
Sulfation
The electrode plates are
covered with white layer
or in spots.
Charging rate is too small or
else excessively large.
The specific gravity or the mix—
ture of the electrolyte is im—
proper.
Battery left in a discharged con—
dition for a long period (left
with the switch turned on). Ex—
posed to excessive vibration due
to improper installation.
During cold season when mo—
torcycle is left stored, the wir—
ing should be disconnected.
When stored in a discharged condition,
the battery should be recharged once a
month even when the motorcycle is not
used.
Check the electrolyte periodically and al—
ways maintain the proper level 0.400—
0.518 in. (10—13 mm) above the plates.
Self—discharge
Battery discharges in addi—
tion to that caused by the
connected load.
Dirty contact areas and case.
Contaminated electrolyte or
electrolyte excessively concen—
trated.
Always keep the casing clean.
Handle the replenishing fluid with care.
Discharge rate large
Specific gravity, gradually
lowers and around 1.1, the
turn signal lamp and horn
no longer function.
The fuse and the wiring is satis—
factory; the loads such as turn
signal, lamp, and horn do not
function. In this condition the
motorcycle will operate but
with prolonged use, both the
—+— and — plates will react with
the sulfuric acid and form lead
sulfide deposits (sulfation) mak—
ing it impossible to recharge.
When the specific gravity falls below
1.200 (20° C: 68° F), the battery should
be recharged immediately.
When the battery frequently becomes
discharged while operating at normal
speed, check generator for proper output.
If the battery discharges under normal
charge output, it is an indication of over—
loading; remove some of the excess load.
High charging rate
The electrolyte level drops
rapidly but the charge is
always maintained at 100
percent and the condition
appears satisfactory.
The deposit will heavily accu—
mulate at the bottom and will
cause internal shorting, causing
damage to the battery.
Check to assure proper charging rate.
When an overcharge condition exists with
the proper charging rate, place an ap—
propriate resistor in the charging circuit
(keep the lights on when riding), or
replace the battery.
Specific gravity drops
Electrolyte evaporates
Shorted
Insufficient charging
Distilled water overfilled
Contaminated electrolyte
Perform specific gravity measurement.
If the addition of distilled water causes a
drop in specific gravity, add sulfuric acid
and adjust to proper specific gravity.