Battery Service - Toro 04384 Service Manual

Battery Service

The battery is the heart of the electrical system. With
regular and proper service, battery life can be extended.
Additionally, battery and electrical component failure
can be prevented.
Battery Specifications
BCI Group Size 26
540 Amp Cranking Performance at 0
80 Minute Reserve Capacity at 80
Electrolyte Specific Gravity (fully charged): from 1.250
to 1.280
Electrolyte Specific Gravity (discharged): 1.240
CAUTION
When working with batteries, use extreme cau-
tion to avoid splashing or spilling electrolyte.
Electrolyte can destroy clothing and burn skin or
eyes. Always wear safety goggles and a face
shield when working with batteries.
Battery Removal (Fig. 43)
IMPORTANT: Be careful to not damage terminal
posts or cable connectors when removing the bat-
tery cables.
1. Disconnect the ground cable (--) first to prevent short
circuiting the battery, other components or the operators
hands. Disconnect the positive (+) cable.
2. Remove flange head screw, lock nut and battery re-
tainer.
3. Make sure that the filler caps are on tightly.
4. Remove battery from the battery compartment to a
service area. This will minimize possible battery dam-
age and allow better access for inspection and service.
Battery Inspection and Maintenance
1. Check for cracks caused by overly tight or loose
hold--down clamp. Replace battery if cracked and lea-
king.
2. Check battery terminal posts for corrosion. Use a ter-
minal brush or steel wool to clean corrosion from the bat-
tery terminal posts.
IMPORTANT: Before cleaning the battery, tape or
block the vent holes to the filler caps and make sure
the caps are on tightly.
Electrical System
o o
F (--17.8 C)
o o
F (26.7 C)
Page 5 - - 36
3. Check for signs of wetness or leakage on the top of
the battery which might indicate a loose or missing filler
cap, overcharging, loose terminal post or overfilling.
Also, check the battery case for dirt and oil. Clean the
battery with a solution of baking soda and water, then
rinse it with clean water.
4. Check that the cover seal is not broken away. Re-
place the battery if the seal is broken or leaking.
5. Check the electrolyte level in each cell. If necessary,
fill all cells with distilled water to the bottom of the cap
tubes. Charge at 15 to 25 amps for fifteen (15) minutes
to allow sufficient mixing of the electrolyte.
2
1
Figure 43
1. Battery
2. Negative (- -) cable
3. Positive (+) cable
Battery Testing
1. Conduct a hydrometer test of the battery electrolyte.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the area around the cells is
clean before opening the battery caps.
A. Measure the specific gravity of each cell with a
hydrometer. Draw electrolyte in and out of the
hydrometer barrel prior to taking a reading to warm--
up the hydrometer. At the same time take the tem-
perature of the cell.
3
4
5
6
4. Flange head screw
5. Battery retainer
6. Flange nut
Greensmaster 3250--D