Owner`s manual

4-6
Section 4 Electrical System
DC235 / DC265
4.5 Electrical System
Maintenance
12-Volt DC Electrical System
Maintenance
Semi-annually spray all exposed electrical
components behind the helm and in the
plugs with a protector specific for electrical
connections. Exterior light fixture bulbs
should be removed and the metal contact
areas coated with a non-water soluble
lubricant like petroleum jelly or silicone
grease. The sockets should be sprayed with
a protector. DO NOT get any oil or
petroleum jelly on the glass portion of the
bulbs, this will cause the bulb to overheat
and burn out.
Make sure to check that all below deck wir-
ing is properly supported, the insulation is
sound and there are no loose or corroded
terminals. Clean any corroded terminals
thoroughly with sandpaper, or replace them.
Tighten securely and spray with a metal and
electrical protector. Inspect all engine wiring.
Check the electrolyte level in the batteries
regularly and add distilled water as neces-
sary. If the batteries are frequently charged
by a battery charger, check the electrolyte
level more often. The correct fluid level in the
cells is approximately ¼ to ½ inch above the
plates. If fluid is needed, fill to the proper
level with distilled water ONLY. DO NOT
overfill. Some batteries are sealed and can-
not be filled.
Keep the tops of any battery clean and dry.
Dirt and water can conduct electricity from
one post to the other and can cause battery
discharge or cause errant engine warnings.
Keep the battery posts free of corrosion. DO
NOT use wing nuts to attach battery cables.
Remove the cables and clean the posts and
cable clamps with a battery post cleaner or
sandpaper as required. Coating the battery
posts and cable clamps with petroleum jelly
or silicone grease will help protect and
reduce corrosion. Battery cables, both posi-
tive and ground must be replaced when they
show signs of corrosion or fraying. Deterio-
rated cables cause a considerable voltage
loss when high currents are drawn, as for
starting the engine.
! CAUTION
Use exact replacement light bulb; a
different bulb can cause fixture to
overheat, melt or short circuit.
! DANGER
FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD
Explosion or fire from hydrogen gases
produced by lead acid batteries will
cause death or serious injury. DO NOT
smoke or bring a flame near battery
storage area. If ignited by a spark or
flame, gas may explode violently,
causing spraying of battery acid or
fragmentation of the battery.