Battery residue-clean-up
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Indy
Battery residue-clean-up
I have a 2001 that I bought in January.
I am trying to sort out some things.
I am not receiving adverse DIC messages.
There is some slight spatter of battery acid on the underside of the hood over the battery and the hood latch near the battery.
Also, there seems to be some powdery reside on the electrical coupling beside the battery.
The seller replaced the battery with a new Delco Professional battery before shipment. Is this OK as a non-gelcell?
I assume that I need to remove the battery and clean the coupling, but with what?
Do I use dielectric grease when putting the connector back together?
I haven't driven it much because of the weather in Indy, but it seems to start OK, except once that I had to jump it (maybe I left something on).
I am trying to sort out some things.
I am not receiving adverse DIC messages.
There is some slight spatter of battery acid on the underside of the hood over the battery and the hood latch near the battery.
Also, there seems to be some powdery reside on the electrical coupling beside the battery.
The seller replaced the battery with a new Delco Professional battery before shipment. Is this OK as a non-gelcell?
I assume that I need to remove the battery and clean the coupling, but with what?
Do I use dielectric grease when putting the connector back together?
I haven't driven it much because of the weather in Indy, but it seems to start OK, except once that I had to jump it (maybe I left something on).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
Baking Soda is your friend
Mix up baking soda and hot water, remove battery and tray, Wash everything under and around the battery and under the tray with the hot baking soda mixture. Repaint any areas down to bare or rusted metal.
Also soak or drench the battery tray and hold downs including the bolts with the baking soda mixture. When you see bubbling it is the baking soda neutralizing the acid. My vacuum lines were disintegrated also causing the HVAC vents not to function.
When done flush liberally with water and let dry before painting any bare areas.
Its a lot of fun.
I am using Sams lead acid batteries and have not had any problems since neutralizing the acid.
Also soak or drench the battery tray and hold downs including the bolts with the baking soda mixture. When you see bubbling it is the baking soda neutralizing the acid. My vacuum lines were disintegrated also causing the HVAC vents not to function.
When done flush liberally with water and let dry before painting any bare areas.
Its a lot of fun.
I am using Sams lead acid batteries and have not had any problems since neutralizing the acid.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You have one of the best batteries going!
DO NOT use dielectric grease inside te electrical connectors. Use it on the RUBBER O RINGS but NOT in the male and female pins!!!
Inspect the nylon vacuum line and make sure its not damaged. If you cant change HVAC vent locations,,, Its damaged like bighank said..
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Mar 18, 2013 at 02:32 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Pull the plastic panel in the front right wheel well and you will be able to see that vacuum tree that governs the HVAC and it will be obvious it he acid leaked all the way day to it. If it did, chances are it is on the frame as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
I have been running for several years with the fixed up solution with no problems. Last Sams battery lasted over 6 years. Just replaced it with a new one.
