Leaky Battery?

[01Y87]

My camaro has never had a problem starting, but the other day I noticed white residue under the battery, on the metal, that looks like battery acid. There was no trace of acid on the terminals though. So I unbolted and removed the batt and discovered the ingenious design of the coolant tank - the battery sits on a "tray" of black plastic which actually serves as the TOP of the coolant tank, of which the tank part is underneath. Neat way of saving space in a crowded engine bay, eh?

Anyways, the coolant tank did not have the white on it. I removed it, and the painted metal under it was full of the white stuff on one side. I don't think it's coolant???? Well I know that baking soda is good for cleaning battery acid, so I used some on the white stuff and it removed it - along with the red paint so I guess it must have been acid? I looked at the sides and bottom of the battery and do not see any leaks.

If the battery is leaking wouldn't that shorten the life of the battery? How can it be leaking if I cant see any acid on the battery case itself? On the metal inner fender it appears that there is a white "trail" running down and back as if it leaked while the car was in motion. or could it have been some coolant runoff? Has anyone else had a leaky Delco battery?

bruce

[Z Ya Later]

Actually, I just replaced my battery and it was leaking all over everything...but, it was an Exide instead of a Delco. Its not a thing exclusive to Delco batteries, just all batteries. But, it sounds like a new battery in the near future would not be a bad idea. Also, it may be leaking due to possible excessive load presented to it...too much heat. Anything aftermarket that's electrical (e.g. stereo)?

[Formulaboy95]

if it is a sealed Delco, check to see where the vent pipe is on it. I agree with Steve, an excessive load can cause it to "boil over" or perhaps it is cracked somewhere. Delco battery's are pretty durable.

[Chris2000Formula]

AC Delco batteries leaking acid from around the positive battery terminal is a very common problem on Fbods. It happened to me with about 30k miles on the car. The acid leaks so slow that you don't realize what is causing your problems. If you do searches on some of the other fbod message boards you will notice how common of a problem it is. Your best bet is to go ahead and switch it out now before the acid gets all over everything and you end up with a big mess to clean up.

Good luck,
Chris

[LS14ME2]

Originally posted by Chris2000Formula
AC Delco batteries leaking acid from around the positive battery terminal is a very common problem on Fbods. It happened to me with about 30k miles on the car. The acid leaks so slow that you don't realize what is causing your problems. If you do searches on some of the other fbod message boards you will notice how common of a problem it is. Your best bet is to go ahead and switch it out now before the acid gets all over everything and you end up with a big mess to clean up.

Good luck,
Chris

I have an 01 T/A and yes, my battery leaked as well...Very
common on our cars...
I suggest an AGM type...
I put an Exide Orbital select in mine, but the most often used is
the Optima...

[01Y87]

What's really wierd though is I cant find where the acid is leaking from. The battery appears clean except for some black "dirt" on the sides of the case; the terminals are clean and shiny; and the vent tube opening is also clean.

Now I have noticed that the spot where I cleaned - the "acid" took off everything down to the metal - is taking on a rusty look. What type of rust resistant coating should I put on it? I can only imagine if I leave it go then eventually this area under the battery tray will totally rust out.


bruce

[LS14ME2]

Originally posted by 01Y87
What's really wierd though is I cant find where the acid is leaking from. The battery appears clean except for some black "dirt" on the sides of the case; the terminals are clean and shiny; and the vent tube opening is also clean.

Now I have noticed that the spot where I cleaned - the "acid" took off everything down to the metal - is taking on a rusty look. What type of rust resistant coating should I put on it? I can only imagine if I leave it go then eventually this area under the battery tray will totally rust out.


bruce

You need to neutralize the acid asap...
Good ol' arm and hammer and water should do the trick....
Flood the area good and do it again until it does not foam any
longer...

[01Y87]

I did that. That is the reason for the loss of paint. Before I cleaned it, there was white stuff on the paint. Now there is no white stuff and no paint!


bruce

[elvis89fb]

buy a new optima battery they have a life time warrenty and they dont leak no fluid