Battery question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
Battery question
New to C5's so I hope this won't be too stupid. Since it's too cold to play with the car, I was reading some of the tech tips and the very first one is about battery leakage. I states the bottom of the battery tray is open in the center. Just as a precaution, would it be dumb to just cover the hole with something. 
I'm going to replace the battery in the spring.. When I disconnect the battery , other than the radio stations, will I loose any other settings.
I'm going to replace the battery in the spring.. When I disconnect the battery , other than the radio stations, will I loose any other settings.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If your 99 has an OEM battery replace it as a precaution. the old AC Delcos were prone to leaks. If its a replacement dont worry as the later batteries were fine. An absorbent mat under the battery may be a good precaution for any battery though.
Here's all I know about batteries:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...Battery+Thread
Here's all I know about batteries:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...Battery+Thread
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
The last "leaker" battery sold was in 2000, so assuming that you don't have a 9 year old battery in your car, your electronic components are very safe. I would pass on the acid mat, as it won't allow the battery to slip in under the hold-down wedge. This is another reason why the replacement battery I bought is a 7 YR AC Delco Professional. It has the required features to fit under the wedge and the hold down clamp, perfectly. Besides, it has the best free-replacement warranty in the world at 50 months.
When I replaced my OEM battery, only the stations had to be reset. All other memories were retained.
When I replaced my OEM battery, only the stations had to be reset. All other memories were retained.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
The primary reason that side terminal batteries leak is that gorillas install them.
The torque spec for the side terminals is 12 ft-lbs....
When a Gorilla torques them to 30+ you break the bond between the metal insert and the plastic side wall and then they LEAK.
The torque spec for the side terminals is 12 ft-lbs....
When a Gorilla torques them to 30+ you break the bond between the metal insert and the plastic side wall and then they LEAK.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 4
From: NW Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
hince the 5/16 hex on the battery bolt. but that doesn't stop motorist from using a 18" pipe wrench. I've seen too many teeth marks on the bolts........ and the battery gets the blame
