SkyTrak 6042 Service Manual - Manual (Page 455)

9.85 Model 6042 Legacy Origin 7/02
Electrical System
b. Alternator Installation
1. Position the alternator and align with the upper
alternator mount (Fig. 9-47, 4) on the engine
bracket. Insert the upper (longer) mounting
capscrew (3) through the alternator mount. Thread
the longer capscrew into the alternator front mount.
DO NOT tighten completely at this time.
2. Align the lower alternator mount hole (Fig. 9-47, 2)
with the lower mounting bracket on the engine, and
insert the lower mounting capscrew (1). Tighten the
lower capscrew (1) and upper capscrew (3) securely.
3. At the rear of the alternator, connect the alternator
ground wire (Fig. 9 -46, 1), D+ (2) and B+ (3) wire
leads.
4. Place a 1/2" square drive ratchet into the square
hole (Fig. 9-45, 1) on the tensioner bracket (2).
Apply pressure against the tensioner bracket (2) and
route the fan belt (3) onto the alternator and engine
pulleys. Release and check the tensioner pulley to
verify that it is pivoting freely in order to provide the
proper tension on the belt. Check for proper fan belt
deflection. (Refer to the appropriate Owners/
Operators Manual.)
5. Connect the negative (–) battery cable to the
negative (–) battery terminal (Fig. 9-44, 1).
9.11.2 Battery
Note: A single, lead-acid type, 12-volt, negative (–)
ground, maintenance-free battery rated at 1000 cold-
cranking amps is used in this vehicle. (Refer to the
appropriate Owners/Operators Manual for general infor-
mation.)
a. Battery Description
The battery supplies power to the starter and ignition
system to crank the engine, and it provides extra power
when the electrical load requirements of the vehicle
exceed the supply from the charging system in the event
of an alternator or charging-system failure. The battery
also acts as a voltage stabilizer in the electrical system,
smoothing out or reducing temporarily high voltage.
With the correct battery cables properly attached and with
the battery properly mounted, the battery does not
require periodic maintenance.
When starting the engine, allow the starter to crank for a
maximum of 15 seconds only, then wait a minimum of two
minutes to help avoid burning out the starter. Also, DO
NOT let the engine idle excessively, as low engine rpm
can also lead to battery discharge.
Keep the battery from freezing by maintaining a full
charge. A completely discharged battery will freeze at
18° F (8° C).
Due to the maintenance-free design, water NEVER has
to be added to the battery, so there are no filler caps.
Each battery is sealed, except for small vent holes in the
cover. The vent holes allow gas and pressure produced
in the battery during charging to escape. The special
chemical composition inside the battery reduces gassing
to a very small amount at normal charging voltages. The
special chemistry also greatly reduces the possibility of
overcharge damage.
The vents require that the battery be kept in an upright
position, to help prevent electrolyte leakage. Tipping the
battery beyond a 45° angle in any direction can allow a
small amount of electrolyte to leak out of the vent hole.
DO NOT exceed this 45° angle when carrying or installing
a battery.
The battery has top-post terminals. Keep the terminals
clean, and securely tighten clean cable clamps onto the
posts. Grease or special spray sealers may be applied
over the connections.
b. Visual Inspection of the Battery
Inspect for damage such as a cracked or broken case, or
cover, that could permit loss of electrolyte. If obvious
physical damage is noticed, replace the battery. Handle
the battery with care. Determine the cause of battery
damage and correct as needed before installing the new
battery.
WARNING:
All lead-acid batteries
generate hydrogen gas, which is highly
flammable. If ignited by a spark or flame, the
gas may explode violently, causing spraying of
acid, fragmentation of the battery, and cause
possible severe personal injuries. Wear safety
glasses when working near batteries. In case
of contact with acid, flush area immediately
with water.