Battery leaks??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 773
Likes: 203
From: California
Battery leaks??
I just read a thread that some batteries have developed cracks and leaked acid onto computers and modules and wires underneat. I just looked at mine and there is a tray under it that looks like it would catch any liquids. Is this a common problem? My battery is 3 years old with no problems yet. Should it be replaced to be sure?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters MO
Re: Battery leaks?? (mike k)
The tray is not solid it has a big hollow spot in the middle when you lift up the battery. From my unfortunate experience it will not hold any acid. :( It will however channel it exactly toward your expensive computer. :mad . I would not take any chances. For the money the optima is worth it. :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
From: DFW tx
Re: Battery leaks?? (mike k)
Mine leaked acid and made a mess. I had to pull the PCM, replace the positive cable, and spend hours cleaning all the acid/corrosion. The leak developed within a five day period. I would swap out your battery for an AGM type to not have to deal with this problem. Since your battery is already 3 yrs old, it is probably close to needing replacement anyway.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters MO
Re: Battery leaks?? (mike k)
The optimas are a gel type battery that will not leak. You can get one localy at auto part stores advanced,pep boys what ever is in the area you can also order them from the vendors on the forum. You can replace it yourself but will have to go through the relearn procedure. I think you can find it in the tech tips section.Do a thread search you will find more than you will want to know on the subject.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,126
Likes: 8
From: Dallas, TX
Re: Battery leaks?? (mike k)
What is the optima? Where is the best place to buy it? Can I install the battery myself or will I have problems with the electronics when I disconnect mine and hook up the new one?
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,406
Likes: 0
From: Roseville CA
Re: Battery leaks?? (RoliO)
I have a 1998 with the orginal battery, until last week. Acid was leaking from the positive post. My girl friend has a 2000 and it happened about 6 months ago. I thought I was safe since my battery was in there since 1998. NOT!!. I got my Optima battery from Shawn at LAPD. Shawn is great, I had it the next day!! The first time your car cranks over a little sluggish, check the positive post. Good luck. Terry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Battery leaks?? (mike k)
mike k,
The original Delco battery in my 1999 C5 coupe leaked acid from the positive terminal. The battery insulator conceals the leaking acid, and the tray does not contain all the acid.
The acid caused significant damage below, and I did not realize the acid was leaking until I started the car and it "cranked slow". When I backed the car out of the garage, I saw a puddle of rusty acid on the floor.
The C5 engineering team placed a computer, wiring, and vacuum lines below the battery. Brilliant!
The original Delco battery in my 1999 C5 coupe leaked acid from the positive terminal. The battery insulator conceals the leaking acid, and the tray does not contain all the acid.
The acid caused significant damage below, and I did not realize the acid was leaking until I started the car and it "cranked slow". When I backed the car out of the garage, I saw a puddle of rusty acid on the floor.
The C5 engineering team placed a computer, wiring, and vacuum lines below the battery. Brilliant!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,443
Likes: 370
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Re: Battery leaks?? (mike k)
Yes! Here's the AC-Delco I took outta my C5. I replaced it with a trusty Sears DieHard battery.
By the way, the battery tray has a hole in the bottom of it. It will NOT hold the acid off the computer and wiring.
Tom
[Modified by TCW, 9:55 AM 2/16/2002]
By the way, the battery tray has a hole in the bottom of it. It will NOT hold the acid off the computer and wiring.
Tom
[Modified by TCW, 9:55 AM 2/16/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,059
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From: Good Ol' NC
Re: Battery leaks?? (TCW)
[QUOTE]Yes! Here's the AC-Delco I took outta my C5. I replaced it with a trusty Sears DieHard battery.
By the way, the battery tray has a hole in the bottom of it. It will NOT hold the acid off the computer and wiring.
Tom
This pic scares me! I check my battery twice a month when I do a through cleaing under the hood but going by these pics I won 't even see the leakage !
Makes me
:mad :mad :mad I just had to replace the battery in my "beater" Will be addressing the battery issue soon in the vette, right now I have athe column lock to deal with :rolleyes: :nono: :nonod: :nonod:
By the way, the battery tray has a hole in the bottom of it. It will NOT hold the acid off the computer and wiring.
Tom
This pic scares me! I check my battery twice a month when I do a through cleaing under the hood but going by these pics I won 't even see the leakage !
Makes me
:mad :mad :mad I just had to replace the battery in my "beater" Will be addressing the battery issue soon in the vette, right now I have athe column lock to deal with :rolleyes: :nono: :nonod: :nonod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,518
Likes: 0
From: Toms River NJ
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Battery leaks?? (Bill C)
I agree ... get an Optima - well worth the $$$ ...
For safety sake and you will have a MUCH better battery. Get rid of the Delco and install a Optima Battery.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,390
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Re: Battery leaks?? (123vette456)
Check this old thread out and I think you'll want to replace it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=176697
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=176697
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,247
Likes: 0
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Battery leaks?? (2k Monster)
$99 at CostCo for the 800CCA red top. That is by far the best deal I have heard of anywhere. That's what I put in when mine was leaking last week. Don't wait. Get rid of the Delco crap!
Jim
Jim
