Sea-doo SP Shop Manual page 179

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2
A17E0IB
1
Step : Unplug battery charger
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2
Step : Disconnect lead
3
Step : Disconnect + lead
7. Test battery state of charge. Use a hydrometer.
A17E0JA
1. Specific gravity 1.260
8. If electrolyte level has dropped after charging,
fill with distilled water to UPPER LEVEL line. Af-
ter water is added, continue charging for 1 to 2
hours to mix water with electrolyte.
9. Reinstall caps and clean any electrolyte spillage
using a solution of baking soda and water.
Charging a used battery
WARNING
Never charge battery while installed in wa-
tercraft.
For best results, battery should be charged when
the electrolyte and the plates are at room temper-
ature. A battery that is cold may not accept cur-
rent for several hours after charging begun.
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3
1
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Section 07 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sub-Section 03 (CHARGING SYSTEM)
Do not charge a frozen battery. If the battery
charge is very low, the battery may freeze. If it is
suspected to be frozen, keep it in a heated area
for about 2 hours before charging.
WARNING
Always charge battery in a well ventilated
area.
The time required to charge a battery will vary de-
pending on some factors such as:
– Battery temperature: The charging time is in-
creased as the temperature goes down. The
current accepted by a cold battery will remain
low. As the battery warms up, it will accept a
higher rate of charge.
– State of charge: Because the electrolyte is
nearly pure water in a completely discharged
battery, it cannot accept current as well as elec-
trolyte. This is the reason the battery will not
accept current when the charging cycle first be-
gins. As the battery remains on the charger, the
current from the charger causes the electrolytic
acid content to rise which makes the electro-
lyte a better conductor and then, the battery
will accept a higher charging rate.
– Type of charger: Battery chargers vary in the
amount of voltage and current that they can
supply. Therefore, the time required for the bat-
tery to begin accepting measurable current will
also vary.
Charging a very flat or completely discharged
battery
The battery charger should have an adjustable
charging rate. Variable adjustment is preferred,
but a unit which can be adjusted in small incre-
ments is acceptable.
The battery charger must be equipped with an
ammeter capable of accurately measuring current
of less than 1 ampere.
Unless this procedure is properly followed, a good
battery may be needlessly replaced.
07-03-7