Battery overflowing acid everywhere!! and its an Optima

streetstang67 · May 23, 2005

Ever since I've had and restored this car, there's been a problem with the battery spitting acid when the car is 'charging' it. After two voltage regulators, an alternator, and ultimately an Optima 'sealed' battery, the problem dissappeared for a while. Now that its summer and I'm getting to drive my car more, its now started again! The positive side vent for the Optima is spitting out fluid all over my valve cover and air filter as I drive. When I stop, I can hear it sorta 'boiling'. Please help, I'm absolutely sick of this crap.

nds03 · May 23, 2005

i think you can open up the voltage regulater and change how much it regulates.

YellowMach69 · May 23, 2005

Make sure you flush any area in engine compartment with water and baking soda solution, It will stop the acid from doing damage ,Go do it now,Dont keep reading go go go before theres lots of damage....

BB1966 · May 23, 2005

Thats weird I have never seen an Optima leak,did not even think the could.

streetstang67 · May 23, 2005

Could the battery be getting too hot?

Platonic Solid · May 24, 2005

The first step is to check your charging system. Most good parts stores will do this for free.
.

grego37 · May 24, 2005

I had the sam happen to my old optima, it sat too long without being used, I took it to get recharged at the parts store and it speewed out from those little vent things = bad battery
I bought a new one.
depending upon where and when you bought it , they do come with a 5yr? warranty.maybe they'll work with you on a new one.

thehueypilot · May 24, 2005

Replace it with a dry cell battery from Summit or Jegs which will eliminate the acid problem all togather.

rufusbooth · May 24, 2005

This is definitely an indication that you are Overcharging your battery. Optima specifically states that the vents on the battery are there to relieve excess pressure if the battery is overcharged and if any fluid is discharged the battery should be considered unserviceable. The only thing that could cause those vents to leak would be excess temperature due to overcharging.

Simple test. Hook a volt meter to your current batt and run the car it idle and at your cruse RPM. Tell us what the voltage is. That will tell you the condition of the charging system.

As far as the quality of batteries… I do not care what batt you put in there…if you overcharge it you will have a mess.

Cheers,

Rufus.

69 Rustang · May 25, 2005

What is the limit on charging--hooking up a volt-meter shouldn't it max at something like 14.9volts with the engine running. Been a long time since I looked at that, maybe it was 13.9, but there needs to be more than 12 or it is not charging the battery. More than 14.9 (or whatever it is) and you are overcharging the battery. Overcharging is usually the regulator as that is what its job is. God I hate charging system problems!!!

rbohm · May 25, 2005

voltage reading with the engine running should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. but the problem isnt just voltage, it is amperage as well. if the voltage regulator is not matched ot the alternator, then you can have a real problem with overcharging. consider getting a one wire alternator and end your overcharging problems once and for all.

mustangman70 · May 25, 2005

Buy a powermaster!

They are internaly regulated :yup:

nds03 · May 25, 2005

mustangman70 said:
Buy a powermaster!

They are internaly regulated :yup:

yes

rufusbooth · May 26, 2005

This is in no way meant to bash a one wire alternator but I submit this article so that you may make your own decision about whether or not you want to install a one wire solution. There are applications for a one wire alternator.

This article was written and geared towards GM vehicles but is still applicable to Fords as well. The same thing can and has been accomplished via the ford 3rd gen alternators as well. Enjoy the article and make an informed decision.

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/onewire-threewire.shtml

Cheers.
Rufus

mustangman70 · May 26, 2005

Just to comment, that was a very good informative article! i didnt know that info before, but also, there is a way to use a warning light with the 1 wire, at least im pretty sure in the instructions they tell you how to. I have an aftermarket voltmeter and my warning light is when its not at 14.5 :haha:

rufusbooth · May 26, 2005

Glad you found it useful! There are methods to make an alternator light work with certain one wire alternators. But, then you are no longer one wire are you?

http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/faq_s_-_chrome_alternators.html

Cheers,
Rufus

mustangman70 · May 26, 2005

LOL that you are VERY right about ha ha

67efivert · May 26, 2005

just usse a 2 wire 3rd generation or 2nd generation alternator form a mustang tbird etc internal regulator and high amperage

Battery overflowing acid everywhere!! and its an Optima

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