Check Your Batteries

MikePA · May 11, 2002

As is my standard, Saturday morning practice, I checked the fluids in all the vehicles and the tractors. Cleaned the grass clippings off the tractor deck and outside grill. Thought I should open the hood and check the radiator as well, which was good since it too was covered. As I cleaned around the battery, I noticed a bunch of 'cottage cheese' around the positive terminal. This 'cottage cheese' had eaten through the wire I had connected for the four lights at the back of the tractor. I ended up pulling the positive cable, cleaning it, putting another lug on the wire and reattaching. I also pulled the battery hold down clamp which had several spots of 'cheese'. Cleaned and sanded it am in the process of priming and painting it now. So, Boomer owners, check your batteries!

I had to get all this done before we went and got 50 bales of hay for the equine members of our family. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

marty · May 11, 2002

Mike,

You might want to check under the battery also, for I found a fair amont of corrosion. I little baking soda, some paint and a plastic bottom cut of the a 2 1/2 gallan water jug cured the problem.

MikePA · May 12, 2002

Marty, thanks for the tip. I checked under the battery and didn't have any corrosion there.

Steelfan · May 12, 2002

Thanks MikePa, I open the hood about everytime I use my TC21, but never bothered with the Battery. My problem is buildup of grass, and dirt on the screen in front of the radiator. I use my Tractor for mowing, and boy does that get clogged up. The front of the grill is also very easily clogged with grass, and such. I sometimes clean both things about halfway through mowing. Just thought I'd add that. Kent

MikePA · May 12, 2002

Kent, I have the same problem with grass clippings and keep a close eye on the grill and the screen. On the 25D, you have to remove the air cleaner snorkel to remove the screen.

Boomerboy · May 12, 2002

MikePA,

Check the string earlier in this section on Boomer Battery Problems. Seemed that overheating and overfilling at the factory were the causes to many problems in the Boomers. Since the air is drawn into the radiator across the battery, CHECK YOUR RADIATOR AND ALL ASSOCIATED FITTING, HOSES AND TUBING. This caused quite a disturbance with Boomer owners in 2000 & 2001. My dearler checked the battery, cleaned up the battery area, repainted where needed and checked all connections and other parts "down wind" of the battery. All seems fine now, but I keep an eye on it.

And with respect to my removable grill in front of the radiator, on my TC29D, the air intack swings up a few inches to allow easy removel. Try it rather than removing the intack altogether.

Steelfan · May 12, 2002

Is that the rubber hose laying on top of the screen? Mine just lays there. Should it be attached to something? I don't remember it ever being connected to anything. Never gave it much thought. Kent

MikePA · May 12, 2002

Boomerboy, thanks for the info. I'm going to make it a standard part of my Saturday vehicle maintenance to check the battery and all items downwind. I will also try lifting up the snorkel instead of removing it.

Kent, on the 25D the tube that lays on top of the radiator runs back to the air cleaner. See attached picture.

Steelfan · May 12, 2002

Thanks MikePa, My 21D has the same thing. I can pickup the front of that hose, and take the screen out. It just lays on top of the radiator. Thanks I feel better. Kent