2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Batteries overflowing

[Kalaehina]

Both of my batteries overflowed and needed to be refilled, what could cause this? Since both of them did it is there more going on here, over charging? Or should I just get new batteries or do you think a new alternator? Thanks

 

[B.G. Smith]

If they are overflowing, did someone add water and get them a little too high? If they are bubbling a lot while charging the voltage regulator might be going too high. You need to check the voltage at the battery with the engine running after it has been on for a little while. The voltage should be between 13. 8 and 14. 5 volts. It is normal for some of the electrolyte to evaporate while charging (only the water is supposed to evaporate but don't get it on your clothes) and condense on top of the battery in cooler weather. Also could be a bad cell in one of the batteries causing both to boil while charging, somtime you can detect this by reading the battery voltage when the truck has sat for a while or by turning the headlights on with the engine off and checking the voltage at each battery after a couple of minutes. Voltage on a good battery will be at or near 12 volts. If the battery caps are removable, a battery hydrometer will tell you the condition of each cell quickly. Good luck. bg

 

[Deezul1]

Sounds like over charging which will ruin batterys and is hard on alternater

 

[Steve Campbell]

Poor or loose.....

battery connections could also be the culprit. "Check the simplest thing first. "

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Kalaehina

Both of my batteries overflowed and needed to be refilled, what could cause this? Since both of them did it is there more going on here, over charging? Or should I just get new batteries or do you think a new alternator? Thanks

If you will pay for my ticket I am willing to come over to Hawaii and help you figure out this problem.

 

[CFAR]

Generally overcharging will cause boiling, but usually you can spot that by looking at the sides, are they buldging?



Since both batteries are overcharging, I would definately check your alternator output voltage, As B. G Smith suggested. If its higher than 14. 5-14. 8 volts you will probably need a new alternator.



Check voltage as soon as possible, too much overcharging will ruin both your batteries.



Kragen, or Auto zone should be able to check you charging system, but ... .



Woody

 

[Kalaehina]

Okay, water was not added before it boiled so overflow doesn't seem like it, need to do these tests first then see what comes out. Pit bull, I wish I could fly all you guys here, race and motorsport scene here needs a new look, feel, sound and smell , ricers everywhere! Thanks guys I'll get to it today!

 

[Pit Bull]

Would like to come and live there. Been to Maui (8) times and your island the same. A good friend of mine retired to the big island and loves it. I can't move there because of all of our animals and the rules in Hawaii on bring dogs and cats to the islands.

 

[CFAR]

I own a house in Pahoa, on the big isle. Never got to spend any time there so I rented it out.



Don't think I could live on an island tho, not enough space to drive my CTD.



Woody

 

[Kalaehina]

10-4, wish the islands were all connected, that would be a fun drive!

 

[Pit Bull]

Your right about driving, but as I sit here and look out at this 12" of snow on the ground Hawaii seems like a good idea to me. If I would of only picked the correct numbers for the power ball drawing I could do both.

 

[Kalaehina]

Isn't it great, a millionaire, winning more millions , life is great!

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Kalaehina

Isn't it great, a millionaire, winning more millions , life is great!

I think he wanted everyone to know that he was already rich and successful. Like his comment about being real close before he won with the Helicopter purchase. What do they cost $250K up? I alway like to see the middle class people win. More fun. Plus did you see this guy, he was only 55 and his wife was the same age. I'm 53 and both of them looked old enough to be my parents. Must not know how to take care of themselves?? Also if he was going to give some of the money to the daughter and grand-daughter then he should of made them partners in the ticket. How he will be paying taxes twice when he gives them money or gifts. No wonder he had to lay off 25 employees, he is not that sharp or he does not care and he is a control freak?

 

[GAmes]

Back to the original post, , my batteries cooked when the grid heater failed. Either it shorted or the relay failed, don't know which cuz it was under warranty. Took out the alternater too. Be sure to clean the acid out below the battery boxes, especially the cruise billows.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I agree with the above posts on your problem. I'd just like to add that if you get new batteries, look at Optima red tops (here on the mainland, Costco has them for about $103 each, Pep Boys for 110). Many of us see paint damage and other evidence of slow seeping of battery acid from conventional batteries. I had this problem and could not track it down to a specific problem like dirty terminals. Optimas fixed it.

 

[Thomas]

Ditto on the Optima red tops. To add to what Joe posted, I found that my local Costco carried two different Optima red top batteries:



Battery Model: 75/35 P/N 8022-091 for $103. 99

Battery Model: 34/78 P/N 8004-003 for $99. 99



The 34/78 was a no-brainer with roughly 10% more battery than the 75/35. Specs and pictures can be accessed from this page.



These terminals from Wrangler NW Power Products, along with heavy ring terminals on the end of all cables connected to the battery can eliminate most connection-to-the-battery problems.



#ad

 

[Kalaehina]

Okay, had batteries checked and alternator too, everything fine, so how did you find out your heater was bad GAmes? What should I watch for in the futre? And I want to go with red tops soon, we ran those on our Furd Powerstrokes at work, they were too good, they just seemed to want to take the charge so much they started exploding , must be a Furd thing .

 

[GAmes]

My wife had taken the truck to Va to visit her mom. She came out of a grocery store with a cart full of food to the smell of battery acid and a totally dead truck. The local dealer towed it in and fixed it. Of couse the batteries were not covered by the warranty and she bought two at stealer prices cuz she didn't know any better. I can't tell you how long the grid had been bad cuz she never pays attention to the gages. You could isolate it by removing the relay if you think that the grid heater is the problem.

 

[Kalaehina]

All right need to watch for that, thanks!