posted
I had a drip a couple months ago under the right front of my SS. Appeared to be battery acid. Around the same time I started to have a slight "dead spot" when starting. I checked the battery and it was only putting out around 9V. Also noticed that corrosion had hit the positive terminal really fast. I changed the battery out and cleaned the terminals. There were no leaks in the battery casing. Several days later, I stopped for gas and the car was dead. Getting power to all accesories, but nothing to the starter. I checked the terminals and was able to move the positive slightly, then it fired right up, I retightened the terms, no problems for the last couple of months. Yesterday it was dead again. Positive term very corroded again. I could tell that the positive cable is really corroded inside the insulation, so I am going to prelace the positive cable. My theory is that the old battery leaked through the positive term threaded hole and has eaten up the cable inside of the insulation which is causing the intermittant "dead" starting issue. It would also explain the leak that went away when the battery was changed. Any thoughts?
-------------------- RonC 00 SS #4805 Black/Gray 6M All GM options, All SLP options Posts: 3 | From: Orlando, FL | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged
posted
I have never seen a Delco side post battery leak from inside of the threaded lead terminal into the cable.The positive cable will get dirty like you mentioned and can be cleaned by taking a small screwdriver and prying the rubber away from the cable terminal end.Spray some battery terminal anti corrosion protectant on the cable end.Once cleaned the rubber will go back around the cable end.
-------------------- Current ride is: 2002 Brickyard 400 35th Anniversary LE convertible #22,SLP build# 0036,35th Anniversary Build #47 EMCC Member #234 www.emcamaro.org WCA Member #197582 MMCC Member #28 NEOCC Member #634 Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged
posted
The Delco batteries are notorious for having leaks, and the side terminals will eventually come out of the battery casing. Replace the Delco with another battery of choice before it destroys your battery holder, paint and wire lugs.
-------------------- Berry III M98-2027 1998 Black SS Posts: 15 | From: Williamsburg, VA, USA | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
quote:Originally posted by BBS III: The Delco batteries are notorious for having leaks, and the side terminals will eventually come out of the battery casing. Replace the Delco with another battery of choice before it destroys your battery holder, paint and wire lugs.
Funny how over 12 years in a GM dealer,I never replaced a Delco battery for leaking at one of the terminals or a loose terminal post.I did have to replace the Delco battery in my daughters 1999 Z24 due to abroken post,but that was only the 1st time in well over 20 years I seen that.
-------------------- Current ride is: 2002 Brickyard 400 35th Anniversary LE convertible #22,SLP build# 0036,35th Anniversary Build #47 EMCC Member #234 www.emcamaro.org WCA Member #197582 MMCC Member #28 NEOCC Member #634 Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
| IP: Logged
posted
My battery - Delco - the original also leaked.
I had to clean acid from the right front frame area. It was tough to clean up, and I think there still may be some areas to touch up.
I replaced it with a Sears Die Hard. No problems after that.
-------------------- Hawkeye: SSOA F98-C98
1998 SS - Black All Options - Mods Whisper Lid, K & N, Lou's Short Stick, Shift Light, Skip Shift, SLP Y, Borla, 4:10's, BMR STB, SLP SFCs, Granatelli MAF, Hypertech III, 160 Stat, Mallory Billet Pedals, Metco Aluminum LCAs,Fast Toys Ram Air Mod, Spohn Panhard Bar, BMR Torque Arm, free EGR mod,power antenna, BMR LCA brackets, Gentex Temp/Compass Auto Dim Mirror, AllMaxx Strobe and Wig Wag, BAER Eradispeed rotors,PPC Headers with Random Technology Hi Flow Cats, BMR Drive shaft Loop,FAST 78MM Throttle Body, FAST 78MM Composite Intake, Mobil 1 & lots of Zaino.
Wife & Best Friend Mary - copilot. Posts: 5558 | From: Windsor, Ontario. Canada | Registered: Feb 2000
| IP: Logged
quote:Originally posted by BBS III: The Delco batteries are notorious for having leaks, and the side terminals will eventually come out of the battery casing. Replace the Delco with another battery of choice before it destroys your battery holder, paint and wire lugs.
Funny how over 12 years in a GM dealer,I never replaced a Delco battery for leaking at one of the terminals or a loose terminal post.I did have to replace the Delco battery in my daughters 1999 Z24 due to abroken post,but that was only the 1st time in well over 20 years I seen that.
It used to be that DELCO bateries were the best... lately there has been a rash of bad ones and there is some quality issues.... "they" are aware of the problem and working to fix the quality woes.... one thing you'll start to see are more glass mat (gel) bateries.... some high end stuff has them and more will eventually... right now the vette and xlr have them along with some caddy's....
-------------------- 2002 SS #5973 Posts: 1045 | From: Seattle, WA | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged