Ok what the F just happened! Blew the battery caps off!

[sheetmetaldan]

Just to recap my recent problems and posts. I’ve had some wiring harness issues. I think I have them fixed to the point where I can drive my car. Once my harness issues were resolved the battery had died so I left it on a trickle charge for a few days my car started right up drove it and had no issues.
I haven’t used my car since then (maybe a month or so now). I was going to take it out today but the battery was dead again, so I left it on a trickle charge for a few hours when i returned home turned the key still basically dead. I removed the trickle charger and hooked up my battery starter/charger set it 12V/200 Amp engine start. When I turned the key it instantly made a loud pop and blew one of the caps off the battery! Why did this happen? Is my battery junk? I know my underwear is!

Ive had the battery a few years now and has been fine no issues Duralast battery And yes the leads on the charger were hooked up correctly. I’m basically paranoid to drive my car much less even try to start it now. Im now keeping a fire extinguisher in the truck next time I take it out which is probably a good idea regardless.

 

[Katfish]

Might have been overcharging it.
I had that happen several times while driving, hood was off.
Turns out my voltage regulator was bad and delivering 16V to battery.

 

[pschlosser]

Just to recap my recent problems and posts. I’ve had some wiring harness issues. I think I have them fixed to the point where I can drive my car. Once my harness issues were resolved the battery had died so I left it on a trickle charge for a few days my car started right up drove it and had no issues.
I haven’t used my car since then (maybe a month or so now). I was going to take it out today but the battery was dead again, so I left it on a trickle charge for a few hours when i returned home turned the key still basically dead. I removed the trickle charger and hooked up my battery starter/charger set it 12V/200 Amp engine start. When I turned the key it instantly made a loud pop and blew one of the caps off the battery! Why did this happen? Is my battery junk? I know my underwear is!

Ive had the battery a few years now and has been fine no issues Duralast battery And yes the leads on the charger were hooked up correctly. I’m basically paranoid to drive my car much less even try to start it now. Im now keeping a fire extinguisher in the truck next time I take it out which is probably a good idea regardless.

lead-acid batteries give off fumes that must be vented, and these batteries have a vent. If this vent is plugged (perhaps by a small plastic cap during shelf storage, transport, shipping) then as the battery charges/discharges, those fumes (typically hydrogen gas, flammable, think Hindenburg) could build enough pressure to pop them caps off.

This happened to me with the battery replacement in a Mercedes. This vent was capped (presumably for shipping) and I didn't notice it, or think it an issue until I found the caps lifted off after a week of driving. I pulled off the tiny red plastic cap from the smallish barbed fitting on the side.

Find that vent and make sure it's open. Other batteries may simply have an opening, somewhere along the seam where the battery lid is attached to the battery box.

 

[62Dodge_]

Howdy. Well I just popped a battery in my golf cart, overcharging and vent tube clogged. After I stopped laughing it's been since the 70's when I last popped a battery. I'm going to junk the rest of the 6 volt and go with 3 12 volts, as it requires 36 volts to run.

 

[Xcudame]

"typically hydrogen gas, flammable, think Hindenburg"

Not to side track from a serious battery issue, but have you seen the video of the Hindenburg bursting into flame? 62 people survived it!! Incredible! In the video you can see them running out!

 

[62Dodge_]

Howdy that just reminded my a buddy had a battery that literally exploded flames and everything. That was the last time he ever charged a battery as his child was near the car luckily they were at the back of the car.

 

[sheetmetaldan]

lead-acid batteries give off fumes that must be vented, and these batteries have a vent. If this vent is plugged (perhaps by a small plastic cap during shelf storage, transport, shipping) then as the battery charges/discharges, those fumes (typically hydrogen gas, flammable, think Hindenburg) could build enough pressure to pop them caps off.

This happened to me with the battery replacement in a Mercedes. This vent was capped (presumably for shipping) and I didn't notice it, or think it an issue until I found the caps lifted off after a week of driving. I pulled off the tiny red plastic cap from the smallish barbed fitting on the side.

Find that vent and make sure it's open. Other batteries may simply have an opening, somewhere along the seam where the battery lid is attached to the battery box.

 

[sheetmetaldan]

Thanks I’ve had this battery for a few years with no issues but I will check for a vent & make sure it isn’t plugged. I’m hoping it’s just an unfortunate coincidence and not related to my recent wiring issues.

 

[Challenger RTA]

coincidence and not related to my recent wiring

That would depend on what you did! Can you elaborate.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Here's a picture of the usual damage from an internal explosion of hydrogen. Ignition occurs and then continues to the other cells which also have a buildup of hydrogen. The term "maintenance free" really only applies to sealed batteries.

Nothing is "maintenance free". Set and forget it and this is what happens. Low electrolyte and charging or over use is what causes this.

 

[sheetmetaldan]

Any opinions on these battery covers? I found this over at Roseville Moparts while searching batteries after my charging mishap. I like the original factory look it’s $75 more or less, so a little on the pricey side to me for a chunk of plastic but obviously way cheaper than a retro style battery. Which I can no longer seem to find searching the web.
But now that I’ve been educated on battery vents potentially being blocked and seeing firsthand what can happen when a battery cap blows off. I’m not sure if this cover is a good idea or not? Any thoughts on these are appreciated.

 

[sheetmetaldan]

That would depend on what you did! Can you elaborate.

I had my mechanic install a painless wiring harness & he basically butchered it. After I got my car back, I had no 12V power to my gauges, he also completely cut my plug to the dimmer switch. I also had no power to my instrument lights. The seat belt buzzer under the seat he took that wire & ran it to god knows where. I always just had the relay unplugged & went without a horn to not have to listen to the annoying seat belt warning buzz.
So I found 12V power and spliced in a wire to get my gauges working & did the same to get my instrument lights working again. The dimmer is still not working that’s a problem for another day.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I would have to bet the cell at the negative terminal was about dry. That's the one that evaporate first. Electrochemical reaction.



In lead-acid batteries, the negative terminal is more prone to corrosion compared to the positive terminal due to a specific electrochemical reaction that occurs during the battery's operation. Here's why this happens:

1. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: During the discharge and charging processes of a lead-acid battery, a chemical reaction called the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) occurs at both the positive and negative plates. However, it's more prominent at the negative plate. At the negative plate (which is typically made of lead), the HER generates hydrogen gas (H2) through the reduction of water (H2O): 2H2O + 2e- -> 2OH- + H2 The generated hydrogen gas can escape from the negative terminal and combine with environmental factors like moisture and oxygen, forming hydrogen gas bubbles. These bubbles can cause a buildup of gas and promote the release of acid fumes, which can contribute to corrosion.
2. Sulfation: Lead-acid batteries are also susceptible to a process called sulfation. Sulfation occurs when the battery remains in a partially charged or discharged state for an extended period. During sulfation, sulfate crystals form on the battery plates, primarily on the negative plate. These sulfate crystals can inhibit the flow of current and lead to reduced battery performance and capacity.
3. Acid Exposure: If there are any acid leaks or spills from the battery, the negative terminal may be more exposed to the acid. The acid can react with the lead material in the terminal, leading to corrosion.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I had my mechanic install a painless wiring harness & he basically butchered it.

OK I recall that.


I would have to venture to guess that is what is making you battery go dead. Something is always drawing a load. Causing Electrochemical reaction.

blew one of the caps off the battery!

Here again was it the cap by the negative post?

I would keep the battery disconnected until you find the draw.

 

[62Dodge_]

Here's a picture of the usual damage from an internal explosion of hydrogen. Ignition occurs and then continues to the other cells which also have a buildup of hydrogen. The term "maintenance free" really only applies to sealed batteries.

Nothing is "maintenance free". Set and forget it and this is what happens. Low electrolyte and charging or over use is what causes this.
View attachment 143425

Howdy wowza now that is a POP, my pop was a weenie one

 

[Challenger RTA]

my pop was a weenie one

It can still be disastrous.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Things that might normally draw or a short draw currant in a properly wired scenario.

Door switches, Brake light sw, clock, cigarette lighter, dome light. Sometimes ing sw if going bad. There might be others. You mentioned seat belt buzzer. That's where I would start to look.

 

[sheetmetaldan]

OK I recall that.


I would have to venture to guess that is what is making you battery go dead. Something is always drawing a load. Causing Electrochemical reaction.

Here again was it the cap by the negative post?

I would keep the battery disconnected until you find the draw.

It was actually the cap near the positive side of the battery that blew off. The other one stayed on

 

[moparleo]

Safety first. You should never handle a lead acid battery without having at the very least safety goggles on and gauntlet stye rubber gloves on.
A rubber apron is also recommended.
A safe practice is to never charge a battery while still in the car and if you do, make sure to disconnect the
battery completely positive and negative from the cars electrical system and only charge with the hood open and plenty of airflow around the battery to dissipate the gases..
As Said battery charging makes hydrogen gas bubbles during the process. Hydrogen is very explosive.
Before you put a charger on the battery, inspect the battery of damage and make sure that the charging posts are tight. A loose post will indicate broken parts inside and a short will cause a battery explosion.
If you don't have safety goggles on you may suffer acid burns on your face but at least you may save your eyes. This is nothing to fool around with. remove the caps, check the electrolyte levels and do a hydrometer test to check for weak cells.
If the battery shows a charge level of at least 12.6 volts, then you can do a load test.
This actually puts a load on the battery to check the actual strength and recovery of the battery.
If it falls below 9.6 volts during the load test, the battery needs to be replaced.
Doesn't matter how old or new it is.
Remember that a battery is made up of 2 volt cells. so 6 cells/caps = 12 volts.
The cell plates need to be covered with electrolyte or distilled water before charging.
The charging process is actually just cleaning the sulfate buildup on the cell plates.
You should charge at the lowest setting for the longest time to achieve the best results.
Just like cooking a thick steak. Low temperature for a long time gets it thoroughly cooked.
Again it is always best to charge the battery removed from the vehicle. the hydrogen bubbles can also leave an acidic mist on your paint and other metal object. Never wear clothes or use rags that you have to wear or use again as any acid that gets on them will cause the material to disintegrate later.

Just a note. I once had a Ford Aerostar towed into my shop that would not start for the customer. I raised the hood and went to check that the cables were tight and the battery exploded in my face.
Fortunately I always wore safety glasses in the shop and gloves even though I was only the stores assistant manager at the time.
I was close to the eyewash station so I was able to flush the acid off of my face quickly, but still suffered acid burns on my face and arms and ruined my uniform with the acid that sprayed on it.

The point is that most injuries happen when you are not ready for something to happen. Always practice safety first. You only get one set of eyes.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Fortunately I always wore safety glasses in the shop and gloves

You where very fortunate!
Good habits bring good luck, Bad habits bring bad luck.
You had no control of the battery but of yourself!