What to do about battery acid leaking from caps

There is a 4 year old NAPA battery in my truck and it leaks acid on to the metal around it. The acid is filled just enough to cover the plates, so it doesn't seem overfull. Short of replacing the battery, is there anything I can do about it?

 

Clean it up with some baking soda and water but it must be unplugged and make sure you don't short the terminals. Use a terminal brush then apply dialectic grease on the terminals and it should be clear of the acid for a while. I'm not too familiar with batteries but I wouldn't replace it until it's reliability is compromised.

 

Thanks for the reply zbaldo. I should note that its not so much the buildup on the terminals as it is just leaking from the vent covers.

I cleaned it all up today - removed the rust and painted over, but I don't want to have to do it again. Alternator seems fine at about 14.1 volts. The battery is operating fine except for the leak.

 

It seems like you have it under control but I will say that "the traveler" I think had a battery blow in the sense that the acid dispersed all over his motor compartment. If you want the thrill of knowing that your truck may not start someday or splatter battery juice then keep it as is, it may be time to swap batteries or start saving up. Good luck man

 

I would consider swapping the battery. Something is going on, whether it's a compromised case, or cover...or? this would be much cheaper than fixing rusty sheet metal and damage caused by the battery acid.

Look into the Optima battery....you'll never have that problem again. Optima used to be a high quality battery, but I don't have any experience with them recently.

 

If there is repeated discharging of the electrolyte in the cells, then the battery is on it's way out the door. That is usually an indication that a battery is not properly taking a charge, or overcharging. What is most likely occurring is that the battery is getting too hot while charging, and the electrolyte is boiling. When it boils the electrolyte becomes an explosive gas, and any spark can ignite said gas. Replacement of battery is your only safe and correct solution at this time. I have seen this failure result in a blown battery, and you do not want to be around it.

 

Like said above, pick up an Optima which uses gel so its a sealed unit without any vent holes

 

I agree with the other posts. Probably a bad cell acting up. I have seen them before. I would replace it. I like the carquest battery as it is totally sealed with no caps and a small vent hole to the side of battery. It doesn't corrode ur terminals.

 

Optima is not that it was a few years ago.

Best to stick with tried and true Die-Hard.

 

The four more common causes for wet batteries to leak electrolyte through their vent caps are overfilling, overcharging, overheating, or a combination of the above.

 

Like stated ^^^, sounds like there is an issue with over charge/heat. While I do run a RedTop in my truck, Optima is no longer the only option at auto parts stores for an AGM battery. Also, look at Walmart. Some still carry batteries with a 5yr free replacement warranty and most have the 3yr.

 

I've been keeping an eye on it. I think its just splashing when I go over bumps. Its not leaking bad, but there is a little dried electrolye on the top. The vent holes are pretty big on this battery and the caps don't really have any baffles to keep the stuff from splashing out. I'll get one of those AGM batteries when this one takes a dump

 

Has anyone suggested checking your charging system for over voltage? If the electrolyte isn't overfilled and it's still being expelled though the caps, I'd check the charging system first. If that's ok, probably time to replace the battery. Four years isnt necessarily young in battery years...

 

good point. I've had many years of experience with batteries, and usually four years is pushing it. Of course it depends on many factors...but my guess is you'll be replacing it pretty soon anyway.