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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DTX
Posts: 2,409
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Positive battery terminal hot, smoldering smell
I'm an hour into a trip from dc back home to New York. Noticed a mild smoldering smell and pulled over. Nothing in the engine compartment but the positive battery terminal is hot to the toh and was actually cooking the piece of rubber (kitchen glove) I had over it to help insulate. I think that's the cause of te smell, but what's the cause of the heat?
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03-13-2016, 11:45 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DTX
Posts: 2,409
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No obvious signs of electrical issues. Fuse box is fine. Battery is cool. Negative terminal is cool. Gauges are fine. Lights are fine.
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03-13-2016, 11:49 AM
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76 911S Targa
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Idaho
Posts: 1,150
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You need to check the voltage at the battery, while the car is running, which should be about 14 volts. Sounds like a problem with the charging system or a shorted battery.
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76 911S, 2.7, Bursch Thermal Reactor Replacements, Smog Pump Removed, Magnecors, Silicone Valve Cover Gaskets, 11 Blade Fan, Carrera Oil Cooler, Turbo Tie Rods. |
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03-13-2016, 11:52 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DTX
Posts: 2,409
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That's my thought as well. Alternator seems fine as it was rebuilt a while back and gauges are ok. Shorted battery or cable corrosion. This car made a four hour trip down here yesterday with no issues. Trying to find a parts store at the moment. And debating just driving back.
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03-13-2016, 12:00 PM
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I see 2 possible problems.
Nut that tightens red accessory wires into good/FIRM contact with the battery post connection stud is not tight enough. Red accessory wire stak-on's are not well crimped, best to flow solder them since trying to re-crimp will not work. I would suggest addressing both. Last edited by wwest; 03-13-2016 at 12:23 PM.. |
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03-13-2016, 12:16 PM
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.
Posts: 21,102
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Loose connection or corrosion, which is resistance in the circuit.
Power = I^2 times R (Current squared times resistance). Resistance in the connection with current = heat. Spade lugs look rusty. Clean and make sure nut is tight. |
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03-13-2016, 12:39 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DTX
Posts: 2,409
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Just found an advance auto.
Battery voltage is 14. No drop from terminal to cable. Terminal is tight. I drove here from my last post (30 mins) with no lights, no radio, no valentine. Terminal was cool to the touch when I arrived. I think wwest may have this one. Will head home with stops to check heat etc. Soldering kit is at home. Not going to try to find one in south Baltimore in the rain. |
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03-13-2016, 12:39 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DTX
Posts: 2,409
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Accessory stack nut was finger tight. Not even. Addressed that. Will solder at home.
Truly appreciate the quick responses. |
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03-13-2016, 12:48 PM
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Forever
Whatever
Fasst
