Battery Questions

[Russ Dickey]

Recently, my car has been requiring a jump-start to get it going for a drive. When I take it out for a cruise, it performs fine. All the electrical stuff and headlights work as normal. But if I shut it off....it's dead. It won't restart again. My amp gauge doesn't work, but I assume the alternator is fine since the headlights work ok.

So the other night I put the battery charger on it, and after about 30 minutes I come out to check on it, and it sounds like bacon is sizzling on a griddle. I think "this can't be good", so I immediately turn off the charger, and start thinking that maybe it's a dead cell in the battery (which is only a year old, but it is an Advance Auto parts "special"). I get in the trunk and start to take out the battery, which sits inside of a marine-style plastic case, and notice that there is a bunch of water sitting at the bottom of the case!

Now granted, I don't have the cover on top of the case, so the top of the battery is exposed, but I can't figure out how water could get down in there. I checked everything inside the fenderwell to see if there was any way that water could get down in there when I washed the car, or could be splashed up in there when I've (rarely) driven it in the rain or through a puddle. And from what I can see, there is no way that water could be getting in there.

So can you guys provide any insight? Do batteries "sweat"? Are standard wet-cell batteries prone to leaking? Does the battery sound like it is the root of my problem, or could it be something else?

Thanks to all,

Russ

[relaxinrob]

I bet it's not water that you see, but acid from one of the cells on the battery. Sounds like it's time to upgrade to an Optima battery.

[elgecko]

Put a little of that "water" on your new blue jeans and see what happens.
Dave

[ls1ac]

When a cell is boiling or out of water it make a sizziling sound.
Over charging is the most often the cause. Once done not much hope of saving the battery.
Check your alternator or regulater for high voltage for too long.

[Tim Brewer]

1st, I'd put a meter on your alternator while it's running and make sure it's around 14 volts. 2nd, you NEVER want a wet cell battery in your trunk unless you want everything metal to become rusted. Like Rob says, get an Optima.
Tim

[dblbarrel]

If Need be I think baking soda will neutlalize the ascid, if you havent done so allready.

[Russ Dickey]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

Has anybody tried one of these smaller Odyssey Racing Batteries?
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...08&prmenbr=361

I'm considering one of these versus the Optima, and just want to hear some opinions.

Thanks,

Russ

[relaxinrob]

They sound like they would be fine. They are a dry-cell design and can be mounted in any position......cheaper too

[EarlsflyinCobra]

Cheaper too????????????????????

Not on any prices I have checked...the Optima comes in cheaper.