DK35, DK45, and others...battery

[kodiac]

I have had a DK35 and now a DK45. Both have had the maint. type battery mounted in front of the radiator. Both of these have discharged battery acid/water out through the battery overflow which in turn runs down on the metal below. VERY bad for the paint and it is causing the metal to rust. Anyone else seen this? I was thinking of replacing the battery with a maint. free type.....do they also have overflow problems? I do not think the battery is too full of fluid but more of a case where it is either getting hot or being overcharged by the alternator. This happens even I just run for as little as 30 minutes. Thanks for any comments/suggestions!

Dave

 

[DK35vince]

Can't say I've noticed that problem, but I can't say I've looked there lately either.
I may have to check the battery area out next chance I get.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I've really never heard of this problem at all. I suppose the alternator voltage regulator could be at fault, but seems unlikely in TWO tractors. I would have the electrical system checked out to rule out the alternator first, but would definitely try a different battery in it. You could probably use a comparable battery to just check it out since it happens so quickly, before you spend money on a new one. John

 

[northcreek2624]

Haven't noticed it on my DK40 but, a marine plastic battery box is always a good cure for that......Mike.

 

[DK45C_Dave]

Several different problems can have the same symtoms. Here is what I suggest.

1) If its under warrantee, call the dealer and let him figure it out.
2) Check the battery with good load tester.
3) Check the acid in each cell with a good electrolyte tester. Believe it or not, a battery can have loads of power and the electrolyte show nothing. The alternator thinks the battery is discharged and does its best to bring it up to a full charge. It boils the battery until the alternator burns up.
4) Remove the alternator and take it to a good electrical shop for testing.
5) Call the dealer and let him figure it out even though its not under warrantee.

Just my thoughts....
Dave