Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Negative battery terminals leaking?

[DCMille290]

Hi all,

I have noticed for the last couple of weeks more than usual amount of corrosion forming around both of the negative battery terminals. I clean them off and wash the tops off, and 2 days later it starts all over again.

I cannot remember ever having batteries both "weep" around the negative terminals lile this.

Any feedback would be appreciated.



Maybe time for Optima's??



DC Miller

Marbleman

 

[Alan Reagan]

Time for something. Once they start, they don't stop. I replaced mine Friday night. One was weeping. I cleaned it up. Then Friday morning with the beginning of our first cold snap down here, I had a slow turnover and the voltmeter was pulling down to under 10 volts every time the grids cycled. I had a 200 mile trip ahead of me and couldn't get Optimas so I had to settle for lead acids again. Believe me, at the first sign of problems these will be gone.

 

[Rockcrusher]

I have found over the years that Interstate batteries have been the most dependable and long lasting. My old 1990 Cummins Dodge only had one battery and never failed me.

 

[Pit Bull]

My wifes battery did that on her car right before it blew-up . I guess the gas from the battery was escaping and she cranked it up and "pop" battery acid all over the place I will never let one go again, I now keep a close watch on my batteries. If I buy them as replacements I want the gell kind Optima makes a good one.

 

[andrewkoperdak]

Stop the corrosion by putting Vaseline Pet jelly on the terminals. This will stop the corrosion. Also make sure you have the cable clamped tightly around the post. Any gap will promote your problem. Remember it is winter time, your intake heater, cab heater, lights and such are putting extra demand on you batteries and alternator thus increasing your corrosion problem.

I have been putting VPJ on terminals for more than 20 years and it has always stopped the corrosion. Note that I take great care in cleaning and tightening all connections. I watched a guy nearly fall to his death (80 foot drop) when a huge marine battery exploded in his face from a lose terminal.

R,

Andy

 

[DCMille290]

Took the advice and replaced both batteries. Here's what I found out there. In am in NW Arkansas now.

Could not get any gell batteries, Optima's or something close.

Checked at Wal-Mart, not much for choices.

I happened by SAM's Club and found something that would be fine.

Although not gell type, seem to fit the bill.

The batteries are Champion, the spark plug people.

They are rated at 770 CCA's and have a reserve of 150.

They come with a 3 year replacement warranty. 108 month warranty prorated against the cost of new, depending on time left on warranty.

3 year sign and drive roadside assistance, jump starts, due to lights left on or whatever. No deductible, available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. Not bad so far.

The batteries were less than $65 each!!! And they have a great recessed handle that folds down on the top which makes it easy to carry and lift.

Seem to fine, been in the lows 30's last couple of nights, batteries seem to have plenty of juice.

Not a pretty red color, but the black matches other stuff under the hood.



DC Miller

Marbleman

 

[redram]

They'll work for a short period of time and then you'll end up getting some good batteries, like the Interstates or Optima.



The gel batteries from Champion are junk IMHO for the our trucks as they do not have the staying power for the deep draw of the Cummins on startup.



I tried them on my 89 and got tired of having to go back and get them warrantied. Went to Interstate and now, 4-5 years sometimes.



Good luck.

 

[DCMille290]

Originally posted by redram

The gel batteries from Champion are junk IMHO for the our trucks as they do not have the staying power for the deep draw of the Cummins on startup.

Good luck.

These are Lead/Acid. There are no gell batteries to be had anywhere.

770 CCA, with 150 reserve. These are rated higher than the OEM's I just removed.

I got 3 years to find out.



DC Miller

Marbleman