883166A 2 Mercruiser RESERVOIR KIT

Preparing Dry Charge Batteries
One day before installing a new dry charge battery, add the electrolyte solution to each cell.1. Fill each cell to the bottom of the vent with electrolyte solution.
If the battery is initially filled with water by mistake, the battery is ruined and must be replaced.
2. Allow the battery to sit for several minutes to permit the battery plates to absorb the electrolyte.3. Add make-up electrolyte solution until the level stabilizes. Once the level stabilizes, never add anything but water.4. Install the vent caps.5. Remove the tape covering the vent hole in each cap.6. Slowly charge the battery on a battery charger until the specific gravity of the solution is at least 1.240 at a temperature of 80°F (27°C). If the electrolyte solution temperature nears 125°F (53°C) reduce the charging rate. Temperature in excess of 125°F (53°C) will ruin the battery.Preparing Wet Charge Batteries
The electrolyte solution was added by the manufacturer. Make-up solution must be water; never add electrolyte or acid to a wet charge battery. If necessary, slowly charge the battery before using.Using A Battery Charger
A desirable charging rate can be calculated by multiplying the amp-hour rating of the battery by .07 (7%).Shut off the battery charger before disconnecting the booster charger clamps from the battery terminals. While the battery is charging, hydrogen gas is being given off through each vent cap. When hydrogen gas is mixed with air, the mixture is highly explosive and will explode in the presence of a spark or small flame.
Never smoke near the area where batteries are being charged.
Installing Battery
1. Be sure the tray is free of objects which may puncture the battery case when the hold down straps are tightened.2. Be sure terminal posts and cable clamps are clean.3. Place the battery in the tray. Tighten the hold downs evenly until the battery is snug. Do not overtighten.4. Connect the "hot" terminal first.5. Connect the ground terminal last.
Always connect the "hot" terminal first.
When the "hot" terminal is connected first, no arcing can occur if the wrench accidentally contacts both the terminal and the frame or tray. The part that is contacted will take the same polarity as the battery terminal.By connecting the ground terminal first, the frame or tray is connected to ground. Then, if the wrench accidentally contacts the frame while connecting the "hot" terminal, a circuit is completed through the wrench. A hot spark will occur which could burn the person holding the wrench, or possibly explode the battery if an excess of hydrogen gas is present at any one of the vent holes.After connecting both cables, apply a thin coating of grease over the cable clamps, terminals and hold down fasteners.Battery Maintenance
Testing The Electrolyte Solution
The general condition of a battery can be determined by measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution and adjusting the reading to 80°F (27°C). If the electrolyte level is too low to allow taking a hydrometer reading, add make-up water to the correct level and then charge the battery 2 to 4 hours before taking a reading.1. Insert the hydrometer into a cell. Fill the hydrometer barrel while holding it vertically. The float must not drag on the wall of the barrel.2. Read the hydrometer: 1.250 or above - fully charged battery cell1.250-1.225 - full to half charged battery cell1.225-1.150 - half to low charged battery cellBelow 1.150 - dead cell1.000 - water3. Test each cell in the same manner.
MEASURING SPECIFIC GRAVITY4. If there is more than .050 (50 gravity points) variation between the highest and lowest reading, the battery should be replaced.5. Adjust the readings to 80°F (27°C).a. For every 10F° (5.5C°) the electrolyte temperature is above 80°F (27°C), add .004 (4 gravity points) to the specific gravity reading.Example: Electrolyte temperature = 100°F; 38°C Corrected temperature = 80°F; 27°CDifference: = 20°F; 11°CIncrements: 10; 5.520 ÷ 10 = 2; 11 ÷ 5.5 = 22 × 4 gravity points = 8 gravity pointsAdd 8 gravity points to your hydrometer reading to obtain the adjusted reading at 100°F. If the uncorrected hydrometer is 1.240 the corrected reading would be: 1.240 + 8, or 1.248 b. For every 10F° (5.5C°) the electrolyte temperature is below 80°F (27°C), subtract .004 (4 gravity points) from the specific gravity reading.Example: Electrolyte Temperature = 10°F; -13°C Corrected temperature = 80°F; 27°CDifference = 70°F; 40°CIncrements: 10; 5.570 ÷ 10 = 7; 40 ÷ 5.5 = 77 × 4 gravity points = 28 gravity pointsIf the uncorrected hydrometer reading is 1.210 the corrected reading would be 1.210 - 28 = 1.182The corrected reading is of most importance during cold weather when the hydrometer reading is always corrected to a lower specific gravity reading. A low reading signifies the battery has less available power to crank the engine and that booster batteries may be required.Checking Electrolyte Level
Check the electrolyte level of each cell and the general condition of the battery.1. Maintain the electrolyte level to the base of each vent well.2. The make-up water must be one of the following (in order of preference): a. Distilled water.b. Odorless, tasteless drinking water.c. Iron free water.d. Any available water.
Never add acid or electrolyte.
Reading The Ammeter
1. After starting the engine, the ammeter indicator should register to the right of zero, but should never be "pegged".2. After the engine has been running, the indicator should be just to the right of zero.If the indicator either "pegs" to the right, or remains to the left of zero with an increase of engine speed, have the electrical charging system checked.The alternator charging rate maintains the battery's electrolyte specific gravity reading, and the battery's performance. An undercharge rate cannot maintain a desired 1.250 specific gravity reading. An overcharge rate will boil the water from the electrolyte solution. A proper charging rate should require no more than one ounce (30 cc) of water per cell per week to maintain a fully charged battery.Cleaning Battery
1. Mix a weak solution of baking soda and water. Apply the solution with a bristle brush.
CLEANING BATTERY TERMINALS2. Thoroughly rinse the battery and battery