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Storage:
During the off season it is important to have the battery
in the same good condition or it will not deliver power
when needed.
1. Make sure the battery is fully charged and the
electrolyte is to the proper level.
2. Make sure the battery is clean (both the case and
terminals.)
3. After cleaning the terminals, spread petroleum jelly
on the terminals to prevent loss of charge and
prevent corrosion.
4. Leave the cables disconnected.
5. It would be best to leave the battery in a cool, dry
area during the off season. This will slow down the
loss of charge during non-use periods.
6. Check your battery monthly during the off season
and if the battery has a low specific gravity apply a
charge to it. The battery is a perishable item and it
should be stored properly to obtain a long, useful
life.
Batteries not in use will self discharge and plates will
sulfate permanently if not recharged. If the battery will
not be used for more than three months, it should be
removed and stored in a cool, dry place. Any collection
of dirt, grease or electrolyte should be removed from
the top of the battery. The battery must be recharged
monthly or when the cell specific gravity reads less
than 1.255 specific gravity before reinstalling the
battery in the spring. It should always be fully
recharged.
NOTE:
The specific gravity should be checked in each
cell and should be the same for all cells. A variation in a
cell reading could be an indication of a problem. Sub-
tract .004 from 1.265 for each 10
o
F (12
o
C) below 80
o
F
(27
o
C) or add .004 to 1.265 for each 10
o
F (12
o
C)
above 80
o
F (27
o
C) .
11.4 SWITCHES
Switches either open a circuit to stop current flow or
close and allow current to flow through.
A normally open (N.O.) switch prevents current flow
until the switch is actuated, completing the circuit and
allowing current to flow through it. An example is a light
switch - the lights are off until the switch is actuated
and the lights go on.
A normally closed (N.C.) switch allows current to flow
until the switch is actuated, breaking the circuit and
stopping current flow through it. An example is an
ignition switch that grounds the magneto when in the
off position (completing the circuit) but opens the circuit
when in the ON position allowing the engine to operate.
Switches are selected with regard to Current rating
(contacts must be of sufficient size to carry the required
current), Voltage rating (switches insulated for specific
voltages), Case or housing (switches that are exposed
to moisture and must be sealed to prevent moisture
from entering), and Actuating type (push, pull, rotary,
momentary contact, or micro switches).
NOTE:
Check that the connections to the switches are
secure and that a switch is being activated properly
before performing electrical test on switches. (Safety
switches on speed selector and clutch levers may be
out of adjustment and not activating.)
IMPORTANT:
When checking switches electrically,
remove them from their respective circuit by
disconnecting the wires from the switch at the
connector(s) before testing or damage could result to
the meter or machine components.
When an ohmmeter or multimeter set on the ohms
scale, check the switch for three things: continuity
between contacts of a normally open switch that closes
when the switch is activated; that contacts of a
normally closed switch open when the switch is
activated; and that there are no shorts between
contacts or between contact and ground (switch case)
that should not be there.
Variation from test results described indicates a
defective switch.
Normally Open Switch
To test a normally open switch (key, headlight, safety,
or seat) connect the ohmmeter across the switch
terminals. Meter should indicate open circuit (high
resistance). Activate the switch. The ohmmeter should
read up scale to zero resistance (Close Circuit). This
indicates the switch is operating properly. Also check
from each terminal to the switch case (if case is metal).
Reading should show high resistance indicating no
short to ground.
Normally Closed Switch
To test a normally closed switch connect the ohmmeter
across the switch terminals. Meter should indicate a
closed circuit (zero resistance). Activate the switch and