battery boiled over

Pat Crellin · 01-07-2006, 07:48 PM

Just finished replacing the oil lines to the t-stat. Thanks to all the good threads here it was a breeze. I cracked open a beer and noticed some water under the front of my car. Water with a pH of zero.

Checked the battery and there was acid on top and of course in the trunk. The 2 outboard cells were the right level, the 4 other cells were to the top when I removed the caps.

The car starts fine. I haven't noticed any bad smell or lights brighting or dimming. The alternator was rebuilt about a year ago, can't remember if the VR was replaced.

Is this the VR? How do you check the VR when it's on the back side of the alternator?

Could it be any thing else?

thanks

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

Pat, measure the battery voltage with the engine running at or above 3000 RPM with an accurate DVM. It should not be more that 14.4 volts. If it is much more the regulator is most likely shot (short between D+ and DF). Make sure to neutralize the azid in the trunk, too.

Cheers,
Ingo

KNS · 01-07-2006, 08:06 PM

This is most likely the VR. With a Voltmeter, check and see what your batt. is charging at while around 2000 RPMs. Should not be more than about 14.5 volts. The only way to get to the VR is to pull the Altenator, not fun but not really too dificult either.

Zeke · 01-07-2006, 08:17 PM

You probably already know this, but just in case: Flush out the acid with water, sprinkle baking soda all over, agitate, and flush thoroughly. Throw away any carpet that got acidic, even by fumes. It won't last very long anyway.

Pat Crellin · 01-07-2006, 08:18 PM

I can check with a voltmeter tomrrow but I'm sure I can't find a VR untill Monday. Regular parts store wouldn't have them would they?
Can I do any damage driving the car? I have a meeting Mon morning I can't miss. 20 miles or so total.

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

Yes, the CDI box does NOT like overvoltage. Neither do other electronic components.

pwd72s · 01-07-2006, 08:22 PM

Better call the rental car company for that 20 mile drive..not enough voltage only drains the battery. Too much can hurt lots of stuff...

Pat Crellin · 01-07-2006, 08:35 PM

Is there any place to find an internal VR on a Sunday?

Carpet too Milt? This just isn't fair.

aigel · aigel's Garage

You need to measure first, before buying a new VR or renting a car. Nobody mentions that the battery may also have gone bad. If cells crap out, they may not take charge and boil over just like you described. You could test this by charging the battery with a battery charger. It will boil again in the bad cells, if the battery is the culprit.

Hope this helps.

George

Pat Crellin · 01-07-2006, 09:12 PM

Geroge, I hope it's just the battery. I'll check that 1st.

Pat Crellin · 01-08-2006, 05:18 AM

Why does the acid level remain at the cap after it has boiled? Where does the extra acid come from. I understand the solution boiling over but when it stops boiling shouldn't the level be lower than before it boiled?

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by ischmitz
Yes, the CDI box does NOT like overvoltage. Neither do other electronic components.

Ingo has boxes....

Pat Crellin · 01-08-2006, 08:22 AM

Just checked. 14.4 volts at any RPM. Green to the + and black to the - terminals.
I don't have a battery charger, does this rule out the VR & point to the battery?

Tigerrat · Tigerrat's Garage

How about the battery was plenty full and your jacking up the rear to do the oil line deal caused it to over flow? Happened to me once. Does make a mess that has to be cleaned up per above. 14.4 volts is normal too. Ken

Pat Crellin · 01-08-2006, 09:13 AM

Hmmm.
I still haven't taken a hose & baking soda to the car yet. Just cleaned up the trunk. Last night without jacking up the car I looked under it & it looked like there was some white corrosive looking deposits by the tie rod. I was thinking may be this has been going on for awhile.
It should also be impossible for something like this to happen after the oil lines went so well.
Car off 12.6 volts
Any RPM 14.4 volts
car running lights on 12.8 volts
heater & lights on 12.5 volts

Chuck Moreland · 01-08-2006, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pat Crellin

Carpet too Milt? This just isn't fair.

I hate to tell you, but not just the carpet. The gas tank to body gasket may also have absorbed some acid.

If so, replace it.

Pat Crellin · 01-08-2006, 07:29 PM

Well George, you were right. My 6 year old battery was the problem.
I think it might have been going on for a while. I hadn't looked under the carpet lately & the acid probably built up enough to drip out of the car.
I just hope I neutralized all the acid. Poured abunch of baking soda & water in the trunk then hosed it down. Did the same thing underneath with a spray bottle & hose. Alot of brown crap came out. Lesson learned, never again.

Thanks for everyones help, I learned a lot.

aigel · aigel's Garage

Well, if you would have mentioned the battery being 6 years old, I am sure more folks would have pointed you in that direction. After 5 years, a battery generally is on borrowed time.

While I don't own one right now, I think an optima would be a good ultimate replacement. You probably got one at WalMart real quick today though. And then check the battery every time you change oil.

Glad you don't have to drive to your meeting in something substandard.

George