batery acid leak

[gduke]

Had a leaky front hood seal that I replaced earlier this year. There had been water around the fuel tank seal. so, innorder to better inspect around the fuel tank seal , I removed the battery. And it looks like the Interstate battery leaked acid. There's white powder on the battery tray and it looks like some corosion.

I made plans to have the fuel tank recondition and all ruber lines replaced next spring. (its an 85 cab)

So, my question is, what can I do to prevent the acid/corosion from spreading until I take the car to the shop next spring?

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Gary

[HarryD]

Originally posted by gduke
Had a leaky front hood seal that I replaced earlier this year.

So, my question is, what can I do to prevent the acid/corosion from spreading until I take the car to the shop next spring?

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Gary

Gary,

Take out the battery (if you have not already done so);

Wipe/brush out any loose power from battery box;

Sprinkle a bunch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) on the affected areas and add a bit of water to make a paste;

Rub it in (wear gloves please);

Let it stnad for 10-15 minutes;

Wash out with liberal amounts of water;

allow to drain and then dry;

Coat any bare spots. Use POR-15, Extend, or Wurth Rustguard.


I do this at least once a year even if I see nothing in my boxes. No rust problems yet!

[gduke]

thanks Harry

[autobonrun]

I would replace the old battery with a sealed Optima battery. I found there was no place to route the vent line on my old battery without it dripping down on components underneath. I went with the sealed Optima battery and resolved all those issues. A sealed battery is around $110 - $120.

[gduke]

Will replace the old w/a sealed Optima.

[Wil Ferch]

If you go with a normal battery, get one with a single vent "teet" that you can attach a vent hose to.

The hose can be routed forward/middle..and you will find three or four rubber grommets running left-to-right along the floor..( one way drain valve style..flat flange on the outside bottom). You can punch through this area and find an exit length of hose you are comfortable with so it doesn't affect other areas.

Wil

[HarryD]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch
If you go with a normal battery, get one with a single vent "teet" that you can attach a vent hose to.

The hose can be routed forward/middle..and you will find three or four rubber grommets running left-to-right along the floor..( one way drain valve style..flat flange on the outside bottom). You can punch through this area and find an exit length of hose you are comfortable with so it doesn't affect other areas.

Wil

Wil,

I often see notes about a battery vent but I have actually seen how it is attached or routed. Do have a picture?

[Wil Ferch]

no pics..look at a late model BMW, Mecedes, or even a 996/986....they have this set up. A simple 1/4" or less flex tube attached to the male fitting of a battery. My local battert place sells these for $2-3.

Wil