Battery Descriptions; The Structure Of A Conventional Battery - Honda Motorcycle Service Manual

BATTERlESlCHARGlNGlLlGHTlNG SYSTEM
ATTERY DESCRIPTIONS
There are t w o tvpes of batteries used in Honda motorcvcles, scootors and ATVs: the conventional battery and the
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maintenance free battery.
THE STRUCTURE OF A CONVENTIONAL BATTERY
NEGATIVE PLATE
SEPARATOR
GLASS MAT
POSITIVE PLATE
Conventional Battery:
This battery conducts electricity when the chemical action
electrolyte (sulphuric acid) takes Dlace between the t w o plates
(lead peroxideand leadl. The sulfate in the electrolyte com-
bines with the plate materials, forming lead sulphate (battery
discharge). By passing an electric current back into the bat-
tery, the plates revert t o lead peroxide and lead (battery
charge).
Since the specific gravity of the electrolyte (relative weight of
sulphuric acid as compared with an equal volume of water)
varies, the battery state of charge is determined by measuring
the electrolyte's specific gravity.
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The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks,
flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventila-
tion when charging or using the batteries in an enclosed
space.
The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact
with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protec-
tive clothing and a face shield.
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If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.
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If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at
least 15 minutes and call a physician immediately.
Electrolyte is poisonous. If swallowed, drink large quan-
tities of water or milk and follow with milk of magnesia
or vegetable oil and call a physician.
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KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Use only distilled water in the battery.
CAUTION
/
Tap water will shorten the service life of the batterv.
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CAUTION
.
Avoid filling the battery above the UPPER LEVEL line to
prevent an electrolyte overflow which could corrode the
engine or nearby parts.
1ATHER
'ELBOW
Date of Issue : March, 1995
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HONDA MOTOR CO.,LTD.