Cleaning Batteries - Cushman LSV 800 Owner's Manual

MAINTENANCE
Read all of this manual to become thoroughly familiar with this vehicle. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Warnings, and Dangers.

Cleaning Batteries

When cleaning the outside of the batteries and terminals, do not use a water hose without first spraying the batteries
with a solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water to neutralize any acid deposits. Use of a water hose
without first neutralizing the acid will move the acid from the top of the batteries to another area of the vehicle or stor-
age facility, where it will attack the metal structure or the concrete/asphalt floor. After hosing down the batteries, a
residue will be left on the batteries, which is conductive and will contribute to the discharge of the batteries
.
To prevent battery damage, be sure that all battery caps are tightly installed.
The correct cleaning technique is to spray the top and sides of the batteries with a solution of baking soda and water.
5
This solution is best applied with a plastic sprayer equipped. The solution should consist of 2 teaspoons (10 ml)
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) dissolved in 1 quart (1 liter) of water. In addition to the batteries, special attention
should be paid to metallic components adjacent to the batteries, these should also be sprayed with the baking soda
solution.
Allow the solution to set for at least three minutes; use a soft bristle brush or cloth to wipe the tops of the batteries in
order to remove any residue that could cause the self-discharge of the battery. Rinse the entire area with low pres-
sure clear water.
Cleaning should take place once a month or more often under extreme conditions. After batteries are clean and dry,
the terminals should be coated with a commercially available protectant. Aerosol containers of battery terminal pro-
tectant must be used with extreme care. Insulate the metal container to prevent the can from contacting the battery
terminals.
5 - 18
1 quart
(1 liter)
Clear Water
2 Teaspoons
(10 ml)
Sodium
Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda)
Plastic
Spray
Bottle
Preparing Acid Neutralizing Solution