Yuasa Battery YUA00ACC05 User Manual
Part No. YUA1201501
Yuasa’s Automatic 12V 1.5 Amp battery charger incorporates superior 5 stage
charging technology. This high power unit provides error proof operation to fully
charge sealed maintenance free and conventional lead acid batteries
•
Provides up to 16 volts to enable recovery of sulfated batteries during
pre-qualification stage
•
28 day Charge Recycle – re-evaluates battery status for long term storage
•
Designed to prevent overcharging
•
AC power LED indicator
•
Charging and float mode LED display
•
Reverse polarity protection
•
Spark-free operation
•
Battery accessory leads and fused ring connectors included
•
Steel construction for durability
•
3 year limited warranty
Part No. YUA1200901
Yuasa’s Automatic 900mA 12V battery charger is the industry’s most powerful
plug-in wall charger. Combining the latest technology and a host of user-friendly
features, this compact, high-power unit provides optimum amperage return
and is designed to fully charge and maintain conventional and sealed
maintenance free batteries.
•
Fully automatic three level charge cycle for effective charging
•
Reaches 14.4 volts peak, then automatically switches to float
•
Designed to prevent overcharging
•
AC power LED indicator
•
Charging and float mode LED display
•
Reverse polarity protection
•
Spark-free operation
•
Durable construction for longer life
•
Battery accessory leads and fused
ring connectors included
•
12 ft. output cord
•
3 year limited warranty
Yuasa SmartShot 900 Automatic 12V 900mA Battery Charger
Yuasa SmartShot Automatic 12V 1.5 Amp 5 Stage Battery Charger
BATTERY CHARGERS
UPGRADE
COMING
SOON
PREFACE:
A Practical Understanding of Lead Acid Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SECTION ONE: Battery Basics and Safety
About this book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
About YUASA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features and Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Lead Acid Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
The Yuasa Battery Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Yuasa’s Conventional Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
YuMicron Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
YuMicron CX Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Sealed (MF) VRLA and High Performance Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Battery Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SECTION TWO: Selecting and Installing a New Battery
Selecting the Proper Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
About Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Battery Activation for Conventional and YuMicron Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Activating Standard Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION THREE: Inspecting, Testing and Charging
The Discharge – Charge Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Reasons for Self-discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
Ampere-Hour and Cold Cranking Amps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Inspecting a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Battery Testing Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Battery Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chargers and Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-20
Charging a New Standard Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
Quick Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION FOUR: Maintenance and Storage
Monthly Maintenance for Conventional and YuMicron Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Sulfation and Freezing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
SECTION FIVE: Sealed VRLA Batteries
New Generation Battery Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Sealed VRLA Battery Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25
How a Sealed VRLA Battery Differs from Conventional Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Activation and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
To Activate a Sealed VRLA Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27
Measuring Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Discharge Characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Self-discharge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Choosing a Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Charging a Newly Activated Sealed VRLA Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Routine Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Charging Instructions for Sealed VRLA Batteries with Voltage of 11.5 or Less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Routine Maintenance for Sealed VRLA Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
GLOSSARY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-40
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
Lead acid batteries are relatively simple in design.
Dissimilar metal plates are immersed in an electrolyte
solution consisting of sulfuric acid and water. These
are then insulated from each other with a permeable,
non-conductive material, which allows the transfer of
ions. The transfer of ions occurs during the discharge
and recharge of the battery. Also occurring is the change
in specific gravity or density of the electrolyte. During
the discharge period, sulfuric acid is drawn from the
electrolyte into the pores of the plates. This reduces
the specific gravity of the electrolyte and increases the
concentration of water. During the recharge, this action
is reversed and the sulfuric acid is driven from the plates,
back into the electrolyte, increasing the specific gravity.
During the discharge, lead sulfate is being formed on the
battery plates. Although this is the normal activity within
the battery during discharge, a timely recharge is
required to drive out the sulfuric acid into the electrolyte.
Without this recharge, the lead sulfate will continue to
develop and become difficult if not impossible to
breakdown during recharge. Once this advanced
sulfation develops, permanent capacity loss or total
failure of the battery is likely. Besides the sulfation
concerns, many other detrimental actions are taking
place inside the battery while in a discharged condition.
The corrosive effect on the lead plates and connections
within the battery is greatly increased due to the reduced
specific gravity of the electrolyte. The corrosion of the
plates will typically result in a gradual reduction in
performance followed by battery failure. The corrosion
associated with the inter cell connectors and the connecting
welds will in many instances result in a sudden battery
failure. The corroded connector may have sufficient
integrity to support low drain accessories such as lights
and instruments, but lack the necessary strength to
provide the high discharge current required to start
the vehicle. This corrosive effect can also dissolve the
lead into solution, which in turn may compromise the plate
insulators and result in micro shorts. Another condition
that frequently occurs in a discharged battery is freezing.
In a deeply discharged battery, the electrolyte has a
reduced specific gravity and becomes a higher percentage
of water than sulfuric acid. During this condition, the
battery may freeze at temperatures as high as 32°F.
The electrolyte in a fully charged battery will not freeze
in temperatures down to -65°F.
Deep discharge can be created by a multitude of
conditions, but the predominant reason is neglect.
During long periods of storage, the battery state of
charge must be checked and maintained per the battery
manufacturers recommendations. Other conditions that can
drain the battery are inoperative or inadequate charging
systems on vehicles, parasitic or key off drains, loose or
dirty terminal connections, etc. Although many of these
conditions can be corrected, often the problems you
cannot correct may be overcome by a periodic charging
schedule. You can establish a routine by which you check
and charge your battery or choose to permanently attach
a Yuasa Automatic Charger while the vehicle is not in use.
When charging your battery, always refer to the
instructions on both the battery and the charger. While
maintaining your battery at a full state of charge will
insure optimum life, overcharging may significantly
reduce it. With a conventional type battery that offers
access to the cell compartments, the periodic addition of
distilled water may be required. Water loss is normal in
these batteries through the process of electrolysis and
evaporation. Low electrolyte levels that expose the lead
plates to the air will result in permanent damage to the
battery. Maintain the electrolyte levels above the
minimum fill lines on the battery and at or below the
maximum line. A sealed VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead
Acid) battery should be maintained with the same care
as a conventional type battery with the exception of the
addition of distilled water. Sealed VRLA batteries
have a predetermined quantity of electrolyte added at
the factory or in the field using the acid bottle specified
for the battery. Once activated, the battery is permanently
sealed and must never be opened.
A little bit of care and understanding of how your battery
operates and is maintained will insure maximum service life.
A Practical Understanding
of Lead Acid Batteries
PREFACE
2
About this book
If you’re looking for more than everyday information about batteries, read on.
Maybe you’re a retailer, the expert whose battery knowledge and recommendations guide
customers every day. Perhaps you are a service technician or dealer – the person vehicle
owners turn to with questions. Or maybe you’re an enthusiast set on “knowing everything”
about your bike and how to keep it running.
Whatever your reason for wanting to boost your battery IQ, YUASA is pleased to provide
this copy of the ultimate battery book.
It’s filled with in-depth information: how batteries work, maintenance and installation tips and how
to get maximum power and life from your battery. We’ll talk about chargers and testers. Of
course, we’ll also fill you in on the complete line of YUASA batteries, chargers and accessories.
About YUASA
The first thing you need to know about batteries is YUASA. You might say that when it comes
to powersports vehicle batteries, we wrote the book! We’re the largest manufacturer and distributor
of small engine starting batteries in North America.
If you purchased a motorcycle, snowmobile, personal watercraft, ATV, riding mower or garden
tractor manufactured in the U.S., chances are the battery that starts it was made by Yuasa. In
fact, our batteries are original equipment in just about every major make of powersports vehicles.
If you’ve bought a replacement battery for your powersports vehicle, most likely it was made by
Yuasa. Altogether, we manufacture approximately three million batteries a year for small
engine starting applications at our Reading, Pennsylvania plant.
3
Battery Basics and Safety
1
SECTION
Features and Benefits
4
1
SECTION
Battery Basics and Safety
Component Features Benefits
Cast Grid Special Grid Design Severe vibration resistance & improved
conductivity
Active Material Proprietary Formulation Reduced shedding, maximum utilization, &
long service life
Pasted Plates Specified Thickness Ensures vibration resistance through
& Weight precise compression & proper service life
through specified active material balance
Dried-Charged Tank Formed & Properly dried plates in a sealed battery
Plates Dried Plates have a virtually limitless shelf-life, while
still retaining 70-80% state of charge when
filled with acid
Top Lead Through-Partition-Construction, Shorter current path for increased
Connections Large Straps electrical conductivity & higher starting
currents, heavier parts for
maximum durability
Case-Cover Thermal Bonded Plastic Air tight seal to prevent air ingress
Seal & acid seepage
Terminal- Cover Patented Poly-Seal Eliminates acid seepage, reduces
Seal Terminal corrosion, & extends battery life
Case & Cover Polypropylene Superior resistance to gasoline & oil,
impact resistant in extreme
weather conditions
Additive Sulfate Stop Sulfate stop added to reduce the solubility
(Some models) of lead into the acid, which then reduces
battery sulfation potential
YuMicron
Separator Leaf Separator Polyethylene leaf with glass mat sheet
bonded for compression to withstand
severe vibration conditions
YTX
Separator Absorbed Glass Mat Absorbs acid while creating cell compression
for extreme vibration resistance
Top Lead Alloy Calcium Alloy Increased weld strength & severe
vibration resistance
Vent System Valve & Flame Arrestor Valve relieves excess pressure to prevent
bursting, flame arrestor frit prevents
internal combustion
High Performance Maintenance Free
Grid System Computer-Designed Increased conductivity for higher starting
Radial Grids wattage, increased vibration resistance
Separator Puncture Resistant High puncture resistant separator for increased
AGM Material service in high vibration applications
Let’s look first at battery basics: what a
battery is and how it works.
Lead acid batteries are used as a power source for vehicles
that demand a constant and uninterruptible source of
energy. Just about every vehicle today does. For example,
street motorcycles need lights that operate when the
engine isn’t running. They get it from the battery.
Accessories such as clocks and alarms are battery-driven.
The Lead Acid Battery
Starting your vehicle depends on a battery.
Technically speaking, the battery is an electrochemical device that converts chemical energy to electrical
energy. The first thing you notice inside a battery is
the cells. Each cell has about two volts (actually,
2.12 to 2.2 volts, measured on a DC scale). A 6volt battery will have three cells. A 12-volt battery,
six cells.
HEAT SEALED CASE TO COVER
protects against seepage and
corrosion – bonded unit gives extra strength.
THRU-PARTITION CONSTRUCTION
provides shorter current path with less resistance than
“over the partition” construction – you get more
cranking power when you need it!
SPECIAL
ACTIVE
MATERIAL
is compounded to
withstand vibration,
prolong battery life
and dependability.
PATENTED
SEALED POST
prevents acid
seepage, reduces
corrosion – extends
battery life.
POLYPROPYLENE COVER
AND CONTAINER
gives greater resistance to gas and oil –
and impact in extreme weather conditions!
SPECIAL SEPARATOR
provides high cranking power.
HEAVY DUTY GLASS MAT
resists shedding of active material even
under severe vibration.
SPECIAL GRID
DESIGN
withstands severe vibration,
assures maximum conductivity.
Standard Features
5
1
SECTION
Battery Basics and Safety
What’s different? First there’s cranking power: YuMicron
has more because YuMicron batteries boost plate surface
area with thin, high-tech separators that make room for
two extra plates in each cell. YuMicron also has a special
intercell connector that minimizes resistance to further
maximize power. It has a special glass mat that resists
vibration damage.
Just for the record, let’s state how the Conventional and
YuMicron batteries aren’t different: they’re both lead-antimony batteries, for openers (other batteries in YUASA’s
line, including the YuMicron CX, use lead-calcium technology). They have certain things in common that we
think should be part of every battery: like sealed posts to
resist corrosion, tough polypropylene covers and containers, and heat sealed construction for a strong, bonded
unit. And both share certain design features, like special
separators and through-partition construction.
Now, does all this mean YuMicron is automatically a better choice than the conventional battery? Of course not.
It all depends on what you need to do. Some of the
YuMicron features might not be a big deal to a lawn tractor owner, but a feature like our unique cover design
that minimizes electrolyte spillage is going to be really
important to the guy on a watersport vehicle or ATV.
Each YUASA line of batteries has its unique features
that account for differences in price and differences in
performance – and that’s what makes it the right battery
for a particular vehicle. Buy what you need. Don’t
pay for what you don’t need.
The cells consist of lead plates that are positive and
negative charged. Inside the cell they’re stacked alternately – negative, positive, negative. Insulators or separators – usually fiberglass or treated paper – are
placed between the plates to prevent contact. Cranking
current increases as the plate surface area in the battery increases – the more plates in a cell, or the larger
the plates, the greater the current capacity (or flow of
electricity). Typically, capacity increases as the amount
of active material increases in the battery.
The alternate plates in each cell are connected at the
top into two groups, one positive and one negative.
Each cell’s groups of plates are then connected in series
– positive to negative – to those in the next cell.
Basically, that’s the internal hardware. Next, a solution
of sulfuric acid and distilled water – the electrolyte – is
added. And the action starts. A reaction between the
lead plates and the electrolyte sets off a chemical
change. This in turn creates the electrical charge in a
battery.
That’s the process, in a nutshell, that makes every battery
work. So, are all batteries the same?
Obviously not. Actually, there can be a number of differences, and they go far beyond things like box size or
terminal location. That‘s true for different brands, as well
as for different lines produced by the same manufacturer.
Take two types of YUASA batteries, for example: our
Conventional and YuMicron batteries.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
❐ A battery converts chemical energy to electrical energy.
❐ Each cell has approximately 2 volts: 3 cells for a 6-volt battery, 6 cells
for a 12-volt battery.
❐ Inside each cell are electrically charged positive and negative lead
plates, isolated from each other by separators.
❐ Chemical action between plates and electrolyte creates an
electrical charge.
❐ Current is the flow of electricity.
6
1
SECTION
Battery Basics and Safety
The industry standard for motorcycles, snowmobiles and riding
mowers, our Conventional Battery is anything but conventional.
This workhorse is engineered to protect against seepage and corrosion... withstand vibration... and deliver high cranking power, even
when the weather’s dealing its worst. It’s the rugged, reliable and
dependable battery that customers are looking for!
These features are built into our conventional manifold vented battery...
and every battery in the YUASA line:
●
Patented separators provide high cranking power
●
Through-partition construction delivers
maximum power
●
Unique sealed posts resist corrosion – for longer
battery life
●
Polypropylene cover and container resist damage
from gas, oil, impact
●
Heat-sealed, bonded unit construction protects against
seepage and corrosion
Personal watercraft, snowmobiles and ATVs make special demands –
and YUASA’s YuMicron Battery meets them head-on. The high-tech,
power-boosting design also makes YuMicron ideal for accessory-laden
touring bikes and modified machines.
●
Heavy duty glass mat resists vibration damage
●
Special thin YuMicron Separator packs in extra plates,
delivers up to 30% more cranking power than conventional types
●
Through-the-wall intercell connector minimizes internal
resistance, maximizes power
●
Sulfate Stop curbs plate sulfation – and provides longer life
The right battery for the right job – that’s where it all starts. YUASA’s comprehensive line has the right small engine
starting battery... whatever the vehicle, however tough the application.
YUASA’s Conventional Battery
The YUASA battery line...
7
YuMicron
1
SECTION
Battery Basics and Safety
Sealed (MF) VRLA and High Performance
Sealed (MF) VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) means a battery
that’s perfect for people who have better things to do than battery
maintenance! Our permanently sealed VRLA battery never needs
refilling; however, it still needs periodic charging. Ideal for motorcycles,
scooters, ATVs, riding mowers and personal watercraft.
●
Spill-proof design means virtually no possibility of leaks
●
Advanced lead-calcium technology pumps up
starting power
●
Sulfation retardant dramatically reduces battery-killing
plate sulfation
●
And, sealed VRLA batteries hold voltage
longer and need less charging in standby or storage mode
●
High Performance version provides greater cranking
power with 12 extra plates per battery
For top power, less maintenance and longer life, YuMicron CX is the
battery of choice. The first motorcycle battery built on lead-calcium
technology, YuMicron CX is specially designed for today’s big, complex
machines, where higher cranking power is a must. It delivers all the
features of the standard YuMicron – plus...
●
Unique CX design for higher cold cranking amps
●
Lead-calcium technology reduces water loss – and
servicing – by 66% compared to lead antimony
●
And, CX substantially reduces self-discharge – for
longer time between charges
YuMicron CX
1
SECTION
Battery Basics and Safety
8
As with anything, with batteries you have to know what
you’re doing. Batteries can be dangerous. But they don’t
have to be if some simple safety precautions are followed.
Basically, working with batteries poses two hazards:
potentially explosive gases that are given off during
charging, and sulfuric acid, which is very corrosive.
Here’s an 8-point list that’ll help keep those
hazards under control:
1. ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING, SPARKS OR OPEN
FLAMES AROUND BATTERIES. Batteries can produce
hydrogen and oxygen; if they ignite the battery can rupture.
2. On conventional batteries, loosen vent caps when
charging and ventilate the entire charging area. A
build-up of hydrogen and oxygen levels in the battery
– or in the room where it’s being charged – can create
a hazard.
3. If a battery feels hot to the touch during charging,
stop charging and allow it to cool before resuming.
Heat damages the plates, and a battery that’s too hot
can rupture.
4. Never put the red sealing cap back on the
battery once you take it off. If you do,
gases trapped inside can explode. Make
sure the vent tube isn’t kinked or blocked,
for the same reason.
5. Properly connect charger to battery: positive to
positive, negative to negative. Unplug the charger or
turn it off before you disconnect the leads; that cuts
down on the chance of sparks.
6. Always wear eye protection, protective gloves and
protective clothing.
7. Clean up acid spills immediately, using a water
and baking soda solution to neutralize (1 lb. baking
soda in 1 gal. water).
8. Make sure acid container is clearly marked and
the work area is well lighted.
If sulfuric acid is swallowed or splashed in
the eyes, take immediate action. While the
diluted sulfuric acid used as electrolyte can burn the
skin, this type of injury is generally less serious.
Sulfuric acid in the eyes can cause blindness. Serious
internal injuries or death can result from ingesting sulfuric acid.
Antidotes:
External – flush with water.
Internal – drink large quantities of milk or water,
followed by milk of magnesia, vegetable oil or
beaten eggs. Call a poison control center or
doctor immediately.
Eyes – flush for several minutes with water, get
immediate medical attention.
Battery Safety
POINTS TO REMEMBER
❐ Ventilate battery charging area.
❐ Charging gives off gases – no smoking, sparks or flames.
❐ Safety glasses or face shields protect against eye damage.
❐ Acid swallowed or in the eyes requires immediate antidotes and
medical care.
❐ All safety considerations are important... review them frequently.
9
1
SECTION
Battery Basics and Safety
Selecting the Proper Battery
POINTS TO REMEMBER
❐ Check current Applications Book or microfiche for right replacement battery.
❐ There may be two or more “right” batteries – choose by performance needs.
❐ Double check numbers before activation and installation.
10
cranking power. And if the added benefit of never
adding water again appeals to you, go with the High
Performance Maintenance Free or the Maintenance Free
VRLA style batteries.
A few words of advice: always double-check that you
have the right battery for your application before you
charge and install it. If you have any questions, check
out our website at www.yuasabatteries.com or
contact us toll free at 1-866-431-4784
.
Warning: In the event you want to
upgrade to a sealed VRLA battery,
please ensure you have the proper
charging voltage. Always refer to your
service manual.
Selecting the right battery is an important decision.
You’d be amazed how often the “problem” with a battery
is that it’s the wrong one for the application.
To make doubly sure you’re on track, you’ll need one of
two things – either the latest YUASA Battery
Specifications and Applications book, or the original
equipment (OE) microfiche. Of course, you can always
go to the old battery you’re replacing. The trick, though,
is to make sure it’s the original. Otherwise, you may be
simply repeating the same problem that caused the battery to need replacing.
OK, let’s say you’re replacing the battery on an '81
Kawasaki – a KZ1000-C Police, 1000cc.
Referring to the YUASA Battery Specifications and
Applications book, you first look under the Kawasaki
listing. Then find the right engine size – 1000cc, where
you find the KZ1000-C Police. You’re looking for an '81,
so the place to be is '80 to '81. The chart on this page
shows what it looks like.
If this were a sensor-equipped battery – which it isn’t –
the applications book would mark it with a footnote (†).
That tells you to order it with a sensor.
What’s the right battery? You’ll see there are three of them:
a High Performance Maintenance Free YTX20HL-BS, a
Maintenance Free VRLA YTX20L-BS, and a YuMicron
YB16L-B battery. Any of these will do fine. If your
machine has increased compression modifications to the
engine, for example, you might want the additional
2
SECTION
Selecting and Installing a
New Battery
MOTORCYCLE
High
Free
Maintenance
Free YuMicron Conventional
VRLA
cc Model Year
KAWASAKI
1000 KZ1000-P Police '02-'03 YTX20HL-BS YTX20L-BS - -
KZ1000-P Police '82-'01 YTX20HL-BS * YTX20L-BS * YB18L-A -
KZ1000-C Police '80-'81 YTX20HL-BS * YTX20L-BS * YB16L-B -
KZ1000-C Police, Z1-R '78-'79 YTX14AHL-BS - YB14L-A2 KZ1000, LTD '77-'80 YTX14AHL-BS - YB14L-A2 KZ1000-E ST, Shaft '79-'80 YTX20HL-BS * YTX20L-BS * YB16L-B -
KZ1000-G Classic '80 YTX14AHL-BS - YB14L-A2 KZ1000, LTD, CSR '81-'83 YTX20HL-BS * YTX20L-BS * YB18L-A KZ1000-R Replica '82-'83 YTX20HL-BS * YTX20L-BS * YB18L-A -
Z1000 '03-'04 - YTX9-BS - -
Performance
Maintenance
About Sensors
Many of today’s motorcycles use batteries equipped
with sensors. They’re either built in the battery, or
packed with it.
A sensor is a “low fuel” warning light. It tells you when
you’re getting low – in this case, on electrolyte. The
sensor causes a warning light to flash, signaling that
it’s time to add water to the battery. The cutaway views
below show what a sensor looks like.
Sensors are sort of particular: they don’t go with just
any battery. Which means it’s important to replace the
old battery and sensor with the correct YUASA sensor
battery listed in the applications book. So, sensor rule
one is this: replace both battery and sensor at the
same time.
“But the sensor’s original equipment,” you say. Doesn’t
matter. Being OE doesn’t mean it ‘s OK in another manufacturer’s battery. In fact, OE sensor plugs vary considerably in length, size and diameter. A plug that’s too
long can short out a battery and mess up the electrical
system. If the plug’s short, the warning light will flash
way too early.
Note, too, that even YUASA’s sensor batteries are not
interchangeable; they have different vent locations, sensor wire lengths and diameter of cylinder connectors.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
❐ Replace battery and sensor at same time.
❐ Original equipment sensor isn’t “OK” for a new battery.
❐ Sensor batteries and sensors are not interchangeable – check
Applications Book.
COVER
MAX
MIN
ACID LEVEL
LEAD
CUT-AWAY VIEW OF SENSOR
LENGTH OF SENSOR
11
2
SECTION
Selecting and Installing a
New Battery
3. Let battery stand for at least 30 minutes.
Move or gently tap the battery so that any air bubbles
between the plates will be expelled. If acid level has
fallen, refill with acid to upper level.
4. A battery must be completely charged before
installation. Charge for three to five hours at the current
equivalent of 1/10 of its rated capacity found in the
Yuasa Applications Book.
5. During charging, batteries can spit electrolyte out
the open vent. Take care to loosely refit vent caps.
6. Check during
initial charging to see
if electrolyte level has
fallen, and if so, fill
with acid to the
UPPER LEVEL. After
adding, charge for
another hour at same
rate as above to mix
water and acid. Note: this is the last time electrolyte
should be added, but distilled water should be added
as required.
7. When charging’s done, replace plugs
firmly. Do not apply excessive pressure.
Finger tighten only. Do not over-tighten.
8. Wash off spilled acid with water and baking soda
solution, paying particular attention that any acid is
washed off the terminals. Dry the battery case.
Battery Activation for Conventional and YuMicron Types
Sealed at the factory, a new YUASA battery has an
indefinite shelf life as long as it remains sealed, with
the red cap in place, and is stored at room temperature. Once it’s unsealed, a battery should be activated,
charged and installed. The plates of an unsealed,
uncharged battery begin to oxidize. That makes it
more difficult to charge later. (We talk more about
sulfation later in this book.) And if it’s charged and sits
around, it starts to discharge and sulfate; how fast
depends on temperature.
Here are the steps for activating most batteries,
including YUASA’s Conventional, YuMicron, YuMicron
CX. (Sealed VRLA – YT or YI – batteries are activated
differently, see page 26.)
Activating Standard Batteries
1. Right before adding electrolyte, remove
filling plugs. Also remove the sealing tube – the red
cap – and throw it away. (Putting this cap back on after
the battery’s filled with acid can cause an explosion.)
2. Place battery on a
level surface. Fill battery
with electrolyte (a sulfuric
acid dilution with a specific
gravity of 1.265). Do not
use water or any other liquid
to activate.
Electrolyte should be between 60°F and 86°F before
filling. Fill to UPPER LEVEL as indicated on battery.
NOTE: Never activate a battery on the vehicle.
Electrolyte spillage can cause damage.
Rated
Capacity
12
2
SECTION
Selecting and Installing a
New Battery
YUMICRON Battery Specifications
BATTERY AH (± 1/16 IN)
TYPE (10H-R)
YB2.5L-C 2.5 3 3/16 2 3/4 4 1/8
YB2.5L-C-1 2.5 3 3/16 2 3/4 4 1/8
YB3L-A 3 3 7/8 2 1/4 4 3/8
YB3L-B 3 3 7/8 2 1/4 4 3/8
YB4L-A 4 4 3/4 2 3/4 3 5/8
YB4L-B 4 4 3/4 2 3/4 3 5/8
YB5L-B 5 4 3/4 2 3/8 5 1/8
CAPACITY DIMENSIONS – INCHES
LWH
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