My 911 stinks

Highwatash · 08-16-2001, 10:15 PM

During long drives a noxious acidic odor would permeate the cabin of my 85 Carrera. I thought it was the Catalytic converter...so my wrench did some boom tube magic but the smell was sill there...Last night,when I got home I checked the battery...it was cooking...hissing and ready to blow... The battery was new when I bought the car last month. Any idea's what is causing this problem? Thanks, Jack

Zendalar · 08-16-2001, 10:30 PM

Either voltage regulator or the rectifier in the alternator is faulty.

If rectifier (diodes) get burned, this causes AC voltage to be sent to the voltage regulator and this cooks the voltage regulator.

Or, it could be just the regulator that has broken.

Eric Coffey · 08-17-2001, 12:13 AM

See the "BAFFLED..." post.

-Eric

MDrive · MDrive's Garage

I had the very same issue. I was traveling out of town and had this happen to me and it was bad enough to choke me in the car while driving at 30mph. Mine happend to be the alternator and was replaced (would have done it myself but I had no way to do it since I was out of town). I tried to avoid the replacement as much as possible, push starting the car, etc. but I was not willing to drive it 5 hours home from Florida in the heat. Just FYI.

Mike
86 Carrera

Early_S_Man · 08-17-2001, 07:37 AM

Jack,

Besides the obvious alternator repair, you will need to remove the battery and do some extensive cleaning with baking soda and water. Be sure to clean battery terminals and connectors ... including the ground cable, before reinstalling battery.
------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[This message has been edited by Early_S_Man (edited 08-17-2001).]

Doug Zielke · 08-17-2001, 08:05 AM

Listen to Warren (pity the fool who does not), and get that battery out of there, fast! I mean, throw it away! It's toast now anyway, and if it bursts, you are going to do a lot of damage to your car.

------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

Superman · 08-17-2001, 08:08 AM

This is excellent advice. Your charging system, more specifically your voltage regulator, has apparently cooked your battery. Fix the regulator, replace the battery and repair the car where the battery sits (neutralize the acid, sand and paint if necessary).

------------------
'83 SC

Highwatash · 08-17-2001, 08:58 AM

Thanks Mike and Eric...u both been helpful.
Jack

Highwatash · 08-17-2001, 09:03 AM

Sorry others..I thought this issue was as dead as my battery's gonna be...
Thanks to all.