Club Car Gasoline Service Manual page 184

Self-Discharge, Continued:
12
2. Hot weather also has an effect on a battery's self-discharge rate. The higher the temperature, the
quicker a battery will discharge. In hotter climates, therefore, the battery should be checked more often.
G
When storing the battery, keep in a cool place (See Battery Storage, Page 12-53).
Water Level
Add water only after charging unless the water is below the level of the plates. Filling a battery before charg-
ing will result in overfilling, because the electrolyte level will rise during charging and some of the electrolyte
may bubble out of the cap. This reduces the battery capacity and corrodes the metal parts around it.
The water level should be checked weekly to be sure water is at its proper level (Figure 12-58, Page 12-50).
Never allow the water level to fall below the tops of the plates because this will cause the exposed part of the
plate to become permanently inactive. Check the water level more frequently in hot weather or when the bat-
tery becomes old.
Mineral Content
For the longest battery life, distilled water should be used in the battery. However, if tap water is going to be
used, contact your local water department to be sure the mineral contents are below the levels listed in the
table.
NOTE
• Contact your local water department for mineral content analysis.
Vibration Damage
The battery hold-down should always be tight enough to keep the battery from bouncing. Battery life may be
severely shortened if the battery hold-down is too loose. Excessive vibration shortens the life of the battery. It
may also cause acid to leak out of the vent caps and corrosion to build up on surrounding metal parts. The
acid which is lost reduces the capacity of the battery and cannot be replaced.
The battery hold-down should NOT be so tight as to crack or buckle the battery case. This may cause leaks
which would dry up a cell or cause internal shorts.
Page 12-48
IMPURITY
SUSPENDED MATTER
TOTAL SOLIDS
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM OXIDES
IRON
AMMONIA
ORGANIC MATTER
NITRATES
NITRITES
CHLORIDE
ALLOWABLE CONTENT IN PARTS PER
MILLION
TRACE
100.0
40.0
5.0
8.0
50.0
10.0
5.0
5.0