We all know just how acidic the sulphuric acid in batteries are. But I'm sure few have ever seen themselves, just how bad it can be. I on the other hand, sadly have. In the last little while, I have been installing a pretty big audio system. The battery in the car is a Motomaster with a 72 month warranty (not sure how much prorated), installed in February. The battery has performed as it should, no complaints. However, about two months ago, I started working on my sound system. And I really didn't get things running till about a month ago. Basically, the 6-7 month old battery was in the car with the system for about a month.

In that time, the battery at first showed no real signs of damage except for dimming of lights when system pumping, and EXTREMELY excessive electrolyte evaporation. I basically had to fill them up from almost nothing every 1-2 weeks. During this time of increased electrolyte evaporation, I noticed the battery's sidewalls bulging. Shortly after the bulging began, it got worse in a hurry, and soon, the top of the battery began separating from the rest of the battery. If it were not for the tie down, I'm sure it would have come off by now. With the top of the battery separating, it was obvious that acid would begin leaking out, and it did. The sides of the battery were constantly covered in sulphuric acid in various states of evaporation (lot of wet acid and deposits). At this time, I was only days away from the Optima Yellow Top group deal run by Richie a.k.a. klubjunkie (I hope I got the spelling of the nickname right). By the time things were worked out for the group deal, I was still a couple days away from the meet at Woodbine beach, where we could pick up the batteries. Even before the meet, the battery was in so bad shape, the engine would stumble, and the sound system would shut off due to insuffucient power supply (safety feature in the amps).

When I finally got the Optima, while removing the old battery, it made gushy noises as the battery was obviously leaking, and the casing stressed till it was soft. Even though I was rinsing down the battery area every day, the acid had already done a serious amount of damage. The majority (85%) of the paint on the top battery tray was soft and paper like. It came right off with a garden hose. Because I was in a rush, I simply took off as much as I could, and washed everything down with some baking soda and water, installed the Optima, and continued on with my life.

Today, about 2 weeks later, I decided to take everything apart, and touch up the paint. When I removed the tray, I was shocked at just how bad the damage was. The entire area had paint damage. So after removing everything in the area, I washed it with a baking soda paste, rinsed it down, sanded things down and painted. I used a gray rust inhibiting primer. The funny thing was, the primer matches the grey in the engine bay VERY VERY well I've just put a couple coats (about 7) of primer, and about 3 of clear coat. Besides overspray on what appears to be a grounding cable, it looks awesome. While at it, I also removed my rad mounts, cleaned the rust off them, primed and clear coated them as well. I got so carried away, I even did the battery tie down Now everything is 99% dry, and I'm just waiting for everything to not only be dry but harden a little more so that I can install everything again.

*Richie* and anyone else that bought an Optima and had mounting issues because of the lower height of the Optima, there's an easy way to get around the problem. In stead of buying another tie down, or putting something under the battery on the tray to raise the height of the battery, just use 2 slightly larger nuts on the tie down rods. Large enough so the threading on the nuts doesn't get hung up on the rods, but not too large as to not be grabbed by the top bolt. If you are concerned, use washers between the smaller stock bolt and the larger spacer bolts.

 

I remeber one time I was filling up my battery, and I poured too much water in there so I decided to get it out with a straw, when I dumped it on the driveway, it started sizzling and scared the crap out of me.]

By the way, thanks for reminding me to check my battery again.

 

That's crazy. I probably would have replaced the battery/stopped using the system/disconnected the system when it started bulging...but that's just me...

 

that stuff is strong. I got some on my lip and my hand once when I was popping off the caps. I cant describe the taste but its not good at all!

 

IMO you're lucky that it hasn't exploded yet. You need to have your alternator checked out ASAP. Chances are the voltage regulator is shot and the battery is being over charged. That's why the electrolyte is boiling away. This is a problem you need to deal with RIGHT NOW. Like before you start the car again. Have it towed to a shop and repaired.

 

Either that battery was defective in a big way or your charging(alternator, regulator, etc) system is really screwed up. Your sound system would not evaporate the electrolyte or bulge the case walls out. Get it checked before you nuke the Optima....


-RMB

 

I figured my alternator was damaged as well, but I had it checked out by a friend of mine that is an Engineering Sciences graduate, that works for RIM, and is a car enthusiast, and he said it checked out. The alternator is charging, and not overcharging, there is no odd charging when it charges, and there are no odd noises coming from the alternator.

I guess my old battery was just really crap.

 

the battery in my old 92 max blew up while in my garage. it wasn't really an explosion, more sort of a popping noise and the top of the battery had cracked and seperated. battery acid is definitely not fun stuff.