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?
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
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. Posted by BBS III (Member # 784) on :
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.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
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. Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
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. Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
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....
Posted by WayneSS01 (Member # 734) on :