Honda Motorcycle Service Manual page 361

BATTERlESlCHARGiNGlLiGHTlNG SYSTEM
When you charge the leadlacid battery, electrolysis breaks the
water down into its components, hydrogen and oxygen.
Because of the generation of these gases, you must remove
the filler plugs while charging the battery.
The battery is equipped with a vent, usually routed overboard
into tube, to rid
it
of the gases produced during normal use.
The battery is said t o be overcharged when an excess current
is supplied t o the battery. When the battery is overcharged,
volatile gas is emitted from the plates, and electrolyte
temperature rises. This temperature rise causes more rapid
loss of water from the battery electrolyte. This water loss and
temperature rise will shorten the battery life. If left unchecked,
water loss and high temperature will damage the battery
beyond repair.
boiled off.
When the water is boiled off t o the point where the plates
become exposed, a white crystalline deposit forms. This pro-
cess is called sulfation (lead sulfate). The white crystalline
lead sulfate, unlike the lead sulfate produced by discharging,
is difficult t o revert t o lead peroxide and lead.
Because the motorcycle battery is constantly subjected t o
charging and discharging cycles, the water in the electrolyte is
This causes damage t o the battery and shortens the battery
life. This can occur not only when the electrolyte level is low
but also when the battery is discharged for long periods.
Remember that the electrolyte level goes down when the
water in the battery evaporates. Always add distilled water,
not electrolyte.
NAKED PLATES
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Date of Issue: March,
1995
0
HONDA MOTOR CO.,LTD.
22-7