battery-acid-level-61-023-91-2481-991

Service-Information Motorcycle BMW NA Service Department Group: 61 Genera1 Electrics September 1991 61 023 91 (2481) -.- For USA Only Battery (Acid) Electrolyte – All Models Situation: 1. Electrolyte Level – If the battery electrolyte level is allowed to drop substantially, the gas volume inside the battery grows proportionately, resulting in an increased amount of flammable gas mixture. In addition, the Corrective Action: plates are no longer covered by the electrolyte and may corrode. Any external or internal spark can potentially result in an oxyhydrogen explosion. The battery electrolyte level should be checked every three (3) months and at every Inspection II on every motorcycle. In addition, it should be checked whenever the motorcycle is brought into the workshop if the motorcycle is used in extremely hot araeas. A sufficiently high electrolyte level will prevent an oxyhydrogen explosion in the battery from occurring. Use only distilled water to top up batteries! No tap water or electrolyte (dilute sulfuric acid) may be used to refi 11 batteries! Situation: 2. Neutralizing Electrolyte (Acid) – Any leakage or spillage of battery (acid) electrolyte should be neutralized as soon as possible to prevent any damage to paint or engine castings. Corrective Action: Depending on the amount of spillage, dilute some baking soda in water and apply to areas of the motorcycle that have been exposed to battery (acid) electrolyte. The neutralizing action will create some foaming in the area where the chemical reaction takes place. Flush with ample amounts of water once the chemical reaction has subsided. – contd – ( Situation: 3. Dark Stains on Inside of Battery Plugs – In batteries with separate pockets (plates insulated by pockets), polyethylene film is used as separating material. During the initial charging process or when the batteries are subsequently charged, residual oil may be released by the separating material and be deposited on the inside of the caps. This oil is between dark gray and black in color. Sometimes, a very thin film can form on the surface of the electrolyte. However, the electrolyte itself does not change color or become cloudy. Convnent: The residual oil is electrochemically neutral and does not affect the operation of the battery. As there are no adverse effects when this occurs, replacing the battery cannot be justified. Very truly yours, BMWof North America, Inc. Frank Stevens National Service Manager Motorcycle Group FS:jel/314.2 Richard Dampf ‘ National Technical Manager