Battery Maintenance
To get the maximum life from the battery, you need to check the electrolyte level every 50 hours, clean the battery and check the electrical condition every 250 hours and charge the battery when needed. If any of the battery cells require water, fill them with distilled water. Don’t overfill – use a battery syringe. If distilled water is not available, use clean rain water – don’t use hard water as the minerals will leave deposits on the battery plates. The battery needs cleaning regularly to prevent dirt, moisture and corrosion from robbing it of its charge.
Servicing Spark Plugs
Damaged or fouled spark plugs can rob a spark-ignition engine of power and economy. Spark plugs should be removed and serviced every 500 hours. Use a spark plug socket with a rubber insert to prevent damage to the insulator. Before removing the plug completely, always clean around the spark plug. Remove the plugs, keeping them in the order of the cylinder each came from. Badly fouled plugs should be replaced. Clean wet, oily plugs with a cleaning solvent (not gasoline). File both electrodes until they have flat bright surfaces and blow any metal filings from the plug. Always check the gap before you install the plug.
Servicing the Distributor
The distributor controls the spark plug operation and engine timing on spark-ignition engines. Clean the outside of the distributor housing and cap before removing the cap. Remove the rotor and clean it. Replace the rotor if there are cracks or excessive burning of the metal strip. Check the centrifugal advance system by turning the distributor shaft in the direction of normal rotation. It must rotate freely for a short distance and return to its original position when released. Inspect the contact surfaces of the breaker points and if the surfaces are rough, file them smooth with an ignition file. When replacing the breaker points, be sure to replace the condenser at the same time.
Servicing the Generator and Starting Motor
The generator (alternator) will normally require little attention but they should receive service when required. Disconnect the battery ground strap from the battery when working on the generator. Before installing a generator, check the polarity. Before connecting the battery ground strap, momentarily touch it to the battery post. No spark should occur.
Check the generator belt tension by flexing the belt with a firm push midway on the side of the belt and measure with a ruler. If belt tension is measured in pounds (kg) rather than inches (mm) of flex, use a belt tension gauge to measure the tension. If necessary, loosen the mounting bolt and adjust the belt. Every 250 hours, or as recommended, add specified engine oil to front and rear oil cups on the generator.
