Help! I can't stop the acid!

[maxman]

A few weeks ago I found that my lead acid battery had leaked.

I quickly removed it. I then coated the damage in baking soda and washed with water the next day. The day after that, I found fresh "white stuff" appearing. Then, over a few evenings I did a very thorough soda and washing job. I would let soda sit for a day, then rinse it. Then, I would run through 1/2 gallon of water mixed soda, then run through about 5 gallons of water. I even scrubbed with scotch bright. I also pulled the three plugs from the bar down below to assist with the draining.

I thought I had it knocked out. Now, about a week later, this is what I find:








I'm out of ideas. What should I do?

Interesting how much "white stuff" is around the three holes, but none around the drain slit which had just as much of the rinse water coming through.

As a post this, I can feel little spots of burning on my hands... Just from looking at it and taking photos... How can it be, how can there still be acid there?

[RSBob]

Ripped from the innertube...

What you should do then is take out any removable material out the
trunk and flush with a lot of water. You should use an
neutralizing agent to clean the rest of the trunk then. This will turn
the acid into a (rather) harmless salt that can then be removed
without the danger of being hurt.

Description of a neutralizer:
Wildpower Battery
(http://www.wilpowerbattery.com/ACCESSORIES/n3.htm )

Or you can use simple baking soda

Google Answers: spilled battery acid

[RSTarga]

I think I'd take everything out of the trunk, wrap the electrics and pressure wash with a neutralizer solution.
This thread should be a lesson to those who still want a lead acid battery.

[KNS]

You've got the right approach, unfortunately you can't see underneath the battery tray and inside the hollow(!) fuel tank support that runs across to the other side.
What I found when I cut mine open (after I took a wire brush to it):
Optimas for me from now on

[maxman]

Put down 3 boxes of dry baking soda for tonight. As I was removing the battery, way back when, it knocked the headlight washer and it leaked a bunch of fluid onto the acid. There was quite a bit of bubbling. Could that be part of this? Did I make some sort of super acid?

Plan for the moment is to track down some commercial acid neutralizer in liquid form and wash like crazy this weekend.

[RWebb]

don't use dry baking soda -- make a slurry with water and try to get it into all crevices

use a syinge or tube with a pump or fill your mouth with the conc. baking soda soln. and blow it in

[maxman]

I'll do some more of that over the weekend. Hoping for damage control right now.

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep you posted. Going to give a call to a local restoration shop that I know tomorrow. I'll see if they have any good tips.

[James Brown]

gobs and gobs of water.

[willtel]

Coke works pretty good too.

[CharlieB]

You know that stuff's illegal!!!!!!!!

[super9064]

Originally Posted by willtel

Coke works pretty good too.

Coke is a acid, to neutralize a acid you must use a base. Pouring Coke on bare metal metal will cause it to rust.

[Flieger]

I think it's a play on "white stuff" and "acid"

[gtc]

Originally Posted by super9064

Coke is a acid, to neutralize a acid you must use a base. Pouring Coke on bare metal metal will cause it to rust.

I've seen it used to clean the corrosion off of battery terminals. I don't know about using it to clean up battery acid.

[kodioneill]

After you clean it up you have to vent the battery to atmosphere with the small plastic hose.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by willtel

Coke works pretty good too.

Coke is acid - he wants a liquid base or just flush with water as JB said.

[tharbert]

That looks sneakingly like bicarb once the water has evaporated. Scrape up some of that white stuff and place a drop of vinegar on it. My guess is that it will foam.

If it does, you just need to rinse, repeat and repeat again with plain old water.

[KarlCarrera]

Maxman,

Personally, after cleaning the battery terminals, connectors, and tray, if you find additional 'corrosion" I would get rid of the battery. JMHO, find the Interstate "distributor", not a dealer, and ask for a 'blem' that is correct for your car. We just picked one up for Dad's 79 for $50.

Clean all components with a mixture of baking soda, water and an old toothbrush. Rinse with regular water. Clean and 'touch-up' as necessary.

The 'red' batteries are very good, but I'm not sure they're that much better than a regularly maintained battery.

Prior to installation of a new battery, and following the proper cleaning of the post's and battery wires, spray a small amount of WD-40 on the posts and connectors, wipe all excess off. The WD will help assure a good connection and help with the out gassing of the battery.

Just my .02

Karl
88 Targa