Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cruise Control Problem found......batteries attack..

[CCiatteo]

My batteries finally started to show signs of death. Cranking slow and were weeping. So I sprung for some new Optima Red Tops. While getting ready to swap the batteries I found a pool of battery acid in the bottom of the driver side tray and subsequent trail of destruction below..... shame on me. My cruise had been hit or miss lately and now I know why, see attached pic.



What is best to neutralize the battery acid/clean the surrounding area? Then I guess sand, prime, repaint.



I am strongly considering relocation now. Maybe build a cradle that drops into my truck box behind the cap. Utilize some sort of simple marine box to so nothing can hit the battery, then new cables to a bulkhead/distribution point where the driveside battery currently sits.



Any idea what a new vacuum pot for the cruise control goes for?



Thanks

Chris

(oops I think this should be in the general section, sorry)

 

[Fishin Guide]

3 parts baking soda to 1 part deionized water. mix and apply to areas. This will neutralize the battery acid.



For cleaning the posts, Coke and Pepsi do it fast!



I use Boa-Sheild on all my electrical connections. Stops corrosion!!



And if you have a boat, spray it on all the engine parts, works great!



Dave

 

[The patriot]

It's spelled Boeshield.

Otherwise you may never find it. :-laf

Sears (of all places) has it by me. It aint cheap!

 

[Fishin Guide]

Hey, I never won any spelling bees!



But the stuff works to help protect components. I had an engine that was from a '75 boat, spent 6 months a year moored in the salt and it still looked brand new the day I sold it.



Dave

 

[RHebert]

If you bought the "Red Tops", no need to relocate them. With my red tops and now my yellow tops, never had any spill or corrosion of the terminals or surrounding area. It's so nice to work around them without having to worry about battery acid eating holes in your clothes and your arms!

 

[hsmith]

New servo from Dodge is around $80, as I remember.

 

[CCiatteo]

New servo from Dodge is around $80, as I remember.

Brand new from my local 24hr dodge dealer..... $45. I couldn't believe it and quickly paid cash and got out of there in case the kid at the counter made a mistake.



Chris

 

[bmoeller]

Had a hole in my servo big enough to stick my thumb into. :-laf Line was shot, too.

 

[TyThompson]

I just epoxied the hole in mine, works like a champ...