Community Forums

zeeyaarv · 06-15-2012, 09:32 PM

My two 12 volt chassis batteries were replaced
with new sealed batteries a few months ago. I noticed today that there was a thick white powder--acid--accumulation at the inner base of the two batteries. I checked voltage and it was normal with TRIK-L on and off shore power. Batteries work fine and after cleaning, appear to be undamaged. Anyone else experience? Thanks.

Jim_HiTek · 06-15-2012, 10:21 PM

Quote:

The white powder sometimes found around the battery terminals is usually lead sulfate which is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. The corrosion is caused by an imperfect seal between the plastic battery case and lead battery post allowing sulfuric acid to react with the lead battery posts. The corrosion process is also expedited by over charging. Corrosion can also be caused by factors such as salt water, dirt, heat, humidity, cracks in the battery casing or loose battery terminals. Inspection, cleaning and protection with a light coating of dielectric grease are measures used to prevent corrosion of battery terminals.

I would check that your charging system (converter) is designed for sealed batteries. And if so, that the settings are correct.

zeeyaarv · 06-15-2012, 10:35 PM

Original batteries were sealed. What's strange is that there is no acid residue on top of batteries. Batteries are not warm while charging and crank Cummins easily.

Nhytefall · 06-15-2012, 10:39 PM

I suspect that it is normal oxidation. Changes in humidity have been known to cause an otherwise normal battery of mine to look like it was pulled from the back rack at Joe's Used Battery and Tire Emporium.

That being said: If voltages are good, the charging system was designed to handle sealed batteries, and there are no performance issues, then you're good to go. Grab a wire brush, knock it off the batteries, and keep an eye on it.

H. Miller · 06-16-2012, 04:46 AM

Sounds like the battery "area" wasn't cleaned very well at the installation of the new ones.
Might remove the batterys, clean well with soda, wash down, let dry and reinstall.

Dunner · 06-16-2012, 05:16 AM

I have some "extra" cans of spray chain lube. It's waxy and works great for protecting the battery terminals.

clyon51 · 06-16-2012, 06:56 AM

Permatex makes a good spray on battery post/connection protectant. Never had a corrosion issue using it.

Dunner · 06-16-2012, 07:13 AM

Some of those specialty products are a lot more expensive than home remedies like Vaseline or wheel bearing grease that work just as good.

clyon51 · 06-16-2012, 07:36 AM

I know. I just like that its spray on and it drys. No greasy mess and I can afford 6 bucks for the 15 or so batteries I have around here

wa8yxm · 06-16-2012, 08:50 AM

Come fall when you park the rig for the winter, Pull the battery (You can leave it hooked up with jumper cables if you must, Just set it on a PLASTIC milk crate)

Celean the battery tray and use a rust-converter or Navel Jelly to de-rust it.

Prime it and paint it with several coats of a good acid resistant paint,, Bed liner may be good, or epoxy paint (Which is what I would try first but in truth... I don't know what is best here).

Then re-install the batteires

Do not forget to paint the old downs I need to replace a hold down.

If the batteries are not sealed check them fairly often for at least the first season. if you only need to add water once a year (Like I did when I was new) check them start and end of every season, when they start consuming more water, check more often (As I do now).