1626 Battery Leaking

[ColoradoBengal]

I have a 1626 with a leaking battery. Its still functioning but I'd like to replace it before it A: makes a mess and B. inevitably dies when I need to use the tractor.

I'm assuming I don't need to purchase a Mahindra battery, so my question is: Is there a better aftermarket alternative? If so, any recommendations?

 

[RNeumann]

I got so frustrated with the battery making a mess on my tractor. I’d neutralize and clean etc but I still had issues. I finally switched to an Optima and gave the factory battery to a buddy who has some equipment that doesn’t get jostled near as much. The reality is, most sealed batteries will work. Your budget and thoughts on consumables will dictated brand and price point.

 

[AchingBack]

Because of two episode of leaking, I also went with the sealed OPTIMA. However, since then, according to others, OPTIMA quality has gone done while the price has gone up.

So happy I got one of the good ones, and it is going on 8 years since installation. I keep it on a maintainer as necessary. The extra cost to buy a sealed battery is worth not having to clean and repaint the battery compartment on my Mahindra.

 

[Reb954]

I have a 1626 with a leaking battery. Its still functioning but I'd like to replace it before it A: makes a mess and B. inevitably dies when I need to use the tractor.

I'm assuming I don't need to purchase a Mahindra battery, so my question is: Is there a better aftermarket alternative? If so, any recommendations?View attachment 618991

Do you mean the battery has a crack so it is leaking acid out or do you mean fumes are coming out of the top causing the mess?

 

[ColoradoBengal]

Do you mean the battery has a crack so it is leaking acid out or do you mean fumes are coming out of the top causing the mess?

Thanks everyone for your replies. I was leaning towards an Optima since we have one in our jeep and utv.

To answer your question, I haven't removed the battery to thoroughly inspect it yet, but it appears its leaking acid from the top. I have white, chalky residue on the frame under the battery. I cleaned it off for now, but I expect there's more under the battery. I am planning to remove the battery tonight. I have read that either short uses or over-charging can cause this, but I'm no battery expert by any means. We also live at pretty high altitude, so not sure if that's a factor.

 

[RNeumann]

Tired of the battery acid (optima battery)
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=398724

 

[TractorGuy]

I recently bought a Bosch AGM battery from Pep Boys for my JD. So far it's been okay.

 

[doneill127]

OEM battery was always causing terminal build up and corrosion to the point I had to replace the positive cable despite routine cleaning and neutralizing with baking soda and water. When it finally crapped out the AGM was too rich for my blood. Got an Interstate from Costco for about $75. Had no problems in the first year and no build up on the terminals. If you go to Costco they don’t know tractors. You need to get the battery group size and CCA along with terminal location and your good to go.

 

[LouNY]

If your battery has been leaking I'd pull it out and wash anything and everything close to it real well, and then mix up somebaking soda and neutralize the area.
Once it;s cleaned neutralized and dried then paint it well.

A battery shouldn't be leaking unless the case is craked or the battery is being overcharged.

A sealed or AGM battery has a lot less, actually no corrosion for someone to have to deal with,
so starting usually becomes less of an issue.

 

[RNeumann]

If your battery has been leaking I'd pull it out and wash anything and everything close to it real well, and then mix up somebaking soda and neutralize the area.
Once it;s cleaned neutralized and dried then paint it well.

A battery shouldn't be leaking unless the case is craked or the battery is being overcharged.

A sealed or AGM battery has a lot less, actually no corrosion for someone to have to deal with,
so starting usually becomes less of an issue.

Unfortunately, at least in the Mahindra, the battery acid leaks out. No cracks or damage- my machine was delivered with light rust and visible corrosion from the dealer. Neutralizing, painting etc didn’t solve the problem......but a new battery did solve the issue!

 

[AchingBack]

Make sure your caps are firmly sealed. I believe the slightest gap can cause a big repair. Consider how vibration can contribute to the problem if a cap is loose.

 

[ColoradoBengal]

Thanks again for the responses. Great discussion. For those who went the sealed/optima route, any suggestions on the right model? There doesn’t appear to be a like-for-like replacement for the model I have.

 

[RNeumann]

Thanks again for the responses. Great discussion. For those who went the sealed/optima route, any suggestions on the right model? There doesn’t appear to be a like-for-like replacement for the model I have.

From the photo of mine it looks like a group 34. The part number is 34/78-980.

 

[LouNY]

An AGM, Interstate Batteries | 34M-AGM

another AGM; BCI Group 34 SLI Batteries at Batteries Plus Bulbs

Some Optima and others; Group 34 Batteries | Compare Dimensions & Specifications

 

[wheelbuilder]

I've had good luck using plasti-dip after cleaning up from a battery leak. Make sure things are neutralized, get any rust converted or removed, prime, paint and dip. The rubbery coat seems to last considerably longer than just paint.

 

[Jabonee]

You need to check charging system if the battery is leaking from the top !

 

[Fairfax]

My 1626 battery is leaking as well. I’ve had it two months!

 

[arrow]

My 1626 battery is leaking as well. I致e had it two months!

I cannot believe Mahindra is still dealing with this issue. The 3016 I bought in 2013 (which is now termed as the 1626), also had a leaking battery as well as a *****-ton of other Mahindras with the same problem.. This was due to a bunch of cheaply made "Exide" batteries that leaked from the base of the posts that I can only assume Mahindra got a "good deal " on.
I received a new battery and cables under warranty. The replacement was an "Interstate" which as of this date, has had no similar problem.

 

[schultz548]

Hmmm I just picked up a 3550PST Cab 9-26 and dealer told me they put a new battery in it cause the other one was leaking. Did not think much of it then but now after reading this I will pull it out and look it over good. But that will have to wait till I get it back hopefull next week cause it went back to the dealer with 32 hrs on it with a leaking diesel fuel line where it goes into the banjo fitting on the secondary fuel filter which I read they had problems with leaks around banjo fittings on other tractors but these were smaller ones but looks like they are still haveing problems with leaking fuel lines. Come on Mahindra get your chit together and do it right the first time. Could of fixed the leaking fuel line myself a lot faster than them sending a new one who knows where it is coming from.

 

[DieselMonk]

I am in the process of converting over my 1526 from a BCI Group 58 over to a Group 34 AGM battery. The only thing that does not fit is the battery holder angle bracket. Other than that there are no problems at all. My positive clamp was corroded hard and took the galvanized plating right off. Looked like big mushroom of some sort. I cleaned that all off with baking soda and warm water and repainted the tray. The original leaking battery was made by EXIDE something like a 60 month, El Cheapo thingy.