Battery/Voltage Issue? (1 Viewer)

[sevenmarythree]

Fairly new to the Cruiser scene, picked up my first one in Oct of last year and have been tinkering with it since. It's a 8/73 FJ40 with a 283 small block dropped in. I went TDY for about a month and came back to a dead battery; took it to a local auto supply shop and they said it had a bad cell. Picked up a new battery, and drove her about ten miles. I noticed a bit of an odd smell when I got out and opened the hood, only to discover most of the engine compartment on the battery side covered in liquid, which, after it dried, was white. I noticed the battery seemed to have a fair amount of liquid on it and in the tray and realized the water/acid was leaking out of the cells.

This is the first vehicle I've had where I have done all of the work myself, so what comes second nature to some of you is greek to me at times... Anyway, I'm presuming their is a voltage issue that is causing the battery to overcharge and possibly boil over, however, due to my limited knowledge on the inner workings of this beast, I don't know how to fix the problem. Any pointers will be much appreciated as I really don't want to wipe any more acid out of the engine compartment...

 

[jus cruzin]

can't help with the batt/charging issue, but bi-carbornate soda mixed with water will neutralise the acid and stop it eating paint and causing rust.(warm water then hose off)

good luck

 

[dgangle]

Buy a battery/load tester, a quality volt meter and/or a good meter. Here are some quick examples.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90636

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...part=SWW-114200&N=700+400827+115&autoview=sku

If I were in your situation, the first thing I would want to know is what is the voltage. With the engine running, it should be somewhere around 13-14 volts. I once had acid leaking all over. It makes a mess. I kept putting batteries in it not really troubleshooting the root cause. It turns out the voltage regulator was bad causing overcharging of the battery and it was literally boiling the acid out of the battery. The headlights weren't quite as bright after fixing the problem (imagine that) but they as well as every other light bulb sure lasted longer!

 

[sevenmarythree]

Thanks for the help. One other question, aside from chewing on the paint, what else will that acid do? It's on some of the hoses on the motor, the motor itself, underside of the hood, sidewall, rear firewall...pretty much everywhere on the left side of the engine compartment. Aside from baking soda and water, any other suggestions. Thanks.

 

[SteveO]

I guess voltage regulator. Have a look at an FSM or Haynes and it tells you how to test it. ....Steve

EDIT.. Looks like dgangle beat me to it.

 

[TOR25]

Battery acid should not affect the rubber or plastic in comes in contact with. Most battery acid refills etc are stored in a thick plastic bag. I wouldnt chance it thought, I would wash it off.