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.
36
A battery being charged will ’gas’ with the majority of the
gassing taking place at the end of the charging cycle. This
gas is hydrogen with is lighter than air. Water and sulfuric
acid droplets will be carried out of the battery vents by the
hydrogen gas, however, this loss is minimal. If the battery
electrolyte level is too high, the electrolyte will block the vent
tube and the gas will force it out of the vent tube and battery
cap. The water will evaporate but the sulfuric acid will
remain where it can damage vehicle components and the
storage facility floor. Sulfuric acid loss will weaken the con-
centration of acid within the electrolyte and reduce the life of
the battery,
Over the life of the battery, a considerable amount of water
is consumed. It is important that the water used be pure and
free of contaminants that could reduce the life of the battery
by reducing the chemical reaction. The water must be dis-
tilled or purified by an efficient filtration system. Water that is
not distilled should be analyzed and, if required, filtration
installed to permit the water to meet the requirements of the
water purity table.
Even if the water is colorless, odorless, tasteless and fit for
drinking, the water should be analyzed to see that it does
not exceed the impurity levels specified in the table.
The electrolyte in a storage battery is an acid solution which can cause severe burns to the skin
and eyes. Treat all electrolyte spills to the body and eyes with extended flushing with clear water.
Contact a physician immediately.
Any electrolyte spills should be neutralized with a solution of 1/4 cup (60 ml)
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) dissolved in 1 1/2 gallons (6 liters) of water
and flushed with water.
Always wear a safety shield or approved safety goggles when adding water or charging batter-
ies.
Battery Cleaning
To prevent battery damage, be sure that all battery caps are tightly installed.
Vent Cap
Gas Vent
Vent
Expansion
Space
Plates
1/2” (13 mm)
1/4” to 3/8”
(6 mm to 10mm)
Electrolyte level should be at least 1/2” (13mm) above the
plates and 1/4” to 3/8” (6 to 10 mm) below vent.
Correct Electrolyte Level
Water Purity Table
Impurity Parts Per
Million
Color
Suspended
Total Solids
Calcium & Magnesium Oxides
Iron
Ammonia
Organic & Volatile Matter
Nitrites
Nitrates
Chloride
Clear
Trace
100
40
5
8
50
5
10
5