TM 5-4240-501-14&P The   battery   used   to   operate   starter   motors   on   most Briggs & Stratton engines above 4 horsepower, is of the 12 volt, lead acid - wet cell type. This type is available as a wet charge or dry charge battery. The  wet  charged  maintenance-free  battery  is  filled  with electrolyte   at   the   time   of   manufacture.      The   level   of electrolyte can not be checked. The    dry    charge    battery    is    manufactured    with    fully charged  plates.    Electrolyte  must  be  added  at  the  time that  the  battery  is  placed  in  service.  Before  activating  a dry  charge  battery,  read  and  follow  the  manufacturer’s recommended procedure.  Fig.  66. BATTERY GAS IS EXPLOSIVE.  DO NOT store, charge or  use  a  battery  near  an  open  flame  or  devices  which utilize a pilot light or can create a spark. Fig.  64 - Typical Dry Charge Battery Installation: 1. Before installing battery, connect all equipment to be operated. 2. Place battery in holder with a flat base. Tighten hold downs evenly until snug.  DO NOT overtighten. 3. Connect positive terminal to positive post FIRST to prevent sparks from accidental grounding.  Tighten connectors securely. 4. Connect negative terminal to negative battery terminal.  Tighten connectors securely. Fig.  65 - Typical 12V Wiring Diagram STARTERS 12V Battery Checking Battery 1 Physical check - clean if necessary. A. Corrosion B. Dirt C. Terminal and clamps (secure - good conditions) 2. Bring battery to full charge. Fig.  66- Checking 12V Battery Cells (Lead Acid - Wet Cell - Dry Charge) DANGER:  DO  NOT  EXCEED  CHARGE  RATE  OF  1/10 AMPERE FOR EVERY AMPERE OF BATTERY RATING.     Consult   battery   manufacturer   for   maximum charge recommendations. A. Use a taper charger (automatically reduces charge rate). B. Fill battery cells with distilled water or tap water after charging (for batteries that have been in service). NOTE: If battery gets "Hot" to the touch or is spitting acid (gassing) excessively, unplug charger periodically. 3. With   battery   fully   charged,   check   specific   gravity readings of each cell with a Battery Hydrometer and record  readings  (Fig.    66).  All  readings  should  be above   1.250   (compensating   for   temperature).      If specific  gravity  readings  varied  .050  or  if  ALL  cells read    less    than    1.225,    replace    battery.        Attach voltmeter clips to the battery posts, positive lead (+) to   positive   post   of   battery,   negative   lead   (-)   to negative  post  of  battery.  With  ignition  switch  "Off" press  starter  button.    If  ignition  switch  and  starter switch  are  the  same  switch,  disconnect  spark  plug lead from plug and turn switch to "Start." Voltmeter should read 9 volts or more while cranking engine. If less than 9 volts, replace battery. 17