Explosion!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 0
From: Sonoran Desert of Arizona
Explosion!
Turned on the key to my 87 coupe, then proceeded to roll it into the start position.
At that moment I heard an ear ringing (still ringing over an hour later) explosion.
I stood up (was kneeling on the floor next to the car with the door open) and looked forward and saw what at first appeared to be smoke coming out from under the hood.
I quickly open the hood and expect fire, but luckily there isn't any.
What I did find is an exploded battery.
Car has not been driven in 2 years, but has been started infrequently during that period of time as I move it in or out of my shop.
Once or twice a year I have put a 2 amp charger on it when needed.
What I believe happened is the battery had lost a lot of its water, leaving a large head space in the case. That space filled with hydrogen gas and exploded when the battery was subjected to the starting load.
Yes it is MY fault for not checking the water, I just assumed it was fine knowing its use history. How WRONG I was.
The lesson here is be sure to keep an eye on the fluid level in your battery.
At that moment I heard an ear ringing (still ringing over an hour later) explosion.
I stood up (was kneeling on the floor next to the car with the door open) and looked forward and saw what at first appeared to be smoke coming out from under the hood.
I quickly open the hood and expect fire, but luckily there isn't any.
What I did find is an exploded battery.
Car has not been driven in 2 years, but has been started infrequently during that period of time as I move it in or out of my shop.
Once or twice a year I have put a 2 amp charger on it when needed.
What I believe happened is the battery had lost a lot of its water, leaving a large head space in the case. That space filled with hydrogen gas and exploded when the battery was subjected to the starting load.
Yes it is MY fault for not checking the water, I just assumed it was fine knowing its use history. How WRONG I was.
The lesson here is be sure to keep an eye on the fluid level in your battery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
You're correct about the hydrogen making the kaboom. It takes a spark to ignite it though. Load wouldn't have done it. A short between cells could have generated an excessive amount of gas. Probably a broken connection inside the battery made the spark. Odds are you wouldn't have been able to predict this outcome no matter what you did. Rinse everything off with either battery cleaner or baking soda and water to stop the acid from eating other things.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
From: Pensacola Fl
Well thanks for taking one for the team. I store my car for long periods of time as well, but I put a new battery in it before i stored it. I need to check that water again when I get to her, wow I'm just glad you didn't have the hood open and someone else starting it or some situation like that. Glad your safe!!!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow Va
They really pack a punch when they blow.A couple a years ago a guy at work was checking one on the parts counter when it blew.It sounded like a shot gun went off.He got lucky.He seen a small spark and closed his eyes just before it blew.
I had one blow up with me about a year ago.A guy comes in with one in a straw blower.The battery had slid under a metel bar that was putting a dead short on the battery.It had been that away for a while so i figured it must have shoted out and not have any charge left in it.
I was wrong.I started to take the cable loose and there was a really loud boom.I don't remember seeing any thing just the noise.I turned my head a split second before it went off.I am not sure if I saw a spark or what made me turn away.I was lucky and did not get any acid on me, but the two guys that brought it there got covered in acid.It shook them up pretty good but did not cause any injuries.
I had one blow up with me about a year ago.A guy comes in with one in a straw blower.The battery had slid under a metel bar that was putting a dead short on the battery.It had been that away for a while so i figured it must have shoted out and not have any charge left in it.
I was wrong.I started to take the cable loose and there was a really loud boom.I don't remember seeing any thing just the noise.I turned my head a split second before it went off.I am not sure if I saw a spark or what made me turn away.I was lucky and did not get any acid on me, but the two guys that brought it there got covered in acid.It shook them up pretty good but did not cause any injuries.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
This is just my experiece... YMMV
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Man, 21 years ago that happened to me and a buddy, drinking all night and his Camaro's battery blew like that. Ahh we got it jumped and drove home with no battery. Don't ask me how, read first line, college you know... 
