| Author |
Message |
    
Greg
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 06, 2002 - 11:21 am: | 
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The other day my wife went out to crank up the disco and BOOM!, it sounded like a gun shot had gone off. There was a little smoke that came out of the hood, but nothing more. We popped the hood and looked, everything appeared normal, and then I saw the terminals had been disconnected. I looked closer at the battery and it had a crack along the top and side of it. Luckly it didn't do any damage, just replaced the battery and alls well.
I was wondering though, what could have caused this?? And is there anything to troubleshoot in the future so it doesn't happen again??
Thanks in advance.
Greg |
Chris Browne
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 06, 2002 - 11:39 am: |
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Lead acid batteries produce Hydrogen.
Makes me wonder if yours suddenly suffered from the hindenberg effect... |
Zak Ruck (Zak)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 06, 2002 - 11:49 am: |
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I've had that happen to me on two cars. Both exploded and send acid all over the place. The first one was in the engine compartment, and I had a heck of a time getting everything cleaned and replaced some hoses that were almost eaten through. My second one happened in a BMW, and the battery is under the back seat. Scared the S%^T out of me! And the car smelled awful for about 8 months afterward. I was told it was a combo of the Hydrogen and heat. Mix the two, and BOOM. |
Greg
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 06, 2002 - 03:40 pm: |
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So, would the battery have been leaking first, then with the combination of the heat and electric spark forced the explosion. I ask this because I didn't notice where any acid had been spewed on the engine, belts, etc.
Just curious to find out if it's avoidable in the future.
Thanks again. |
Bill Bettridge (Billb)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 06, 2002 - 04:00 pm: |
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Greg,
was it a NON-sealed type battery that you had to add water to (or at least checked the water?) If the water is low - it will produce even more hydrogen when charging. Also - check for overcharging by the alternator.
When you replace - go with a totally sealed battery like an Optima or Exide spiral cell. I'm not saying that these don't produce hydrogen, but I believe the chances of a repeat of your situation would be slim to none (assuming good alternator)
Bill |
Greg
| | Posted on Thursday, August 08, 2002 - 09:49 am: |
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Thanks for the help and info. fellows. I did get a new Optima battery and hopefully everything will be fine going forward. |
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