First "Issue" With 2520

Runner · Mar 30, 2008

I have about 25 hours on my 2520. I've noticed lately, that my battery is spewing acid across the top, down the back and onto my hydraulic cooler lines. This has me very concerned, because I remember reading about other JD models having this problem and the acid eating holes in the cooler lines.

So, I've been checking it after every use, and have been rinsing the battery and surrounding area with a baking soda/water mix, then rinsing with fresh water. I'm not seeing any damage yet, but it's just a matter of time.

The caps are good and tight and the electrolyte level looks like it's where it should be.

I'm thinking of removing some of the electrolyte to hopefully get the level low enough that this doesn't happen.

Anyone else having this problem and is there any solution besides changing out the battery for a sealed unit?

thatguy · Mar 30, 2008

I would call the dealer and see what they say. To me it sounds like a warranty problem and I would get a new battery from them.. Could it be that the alternator is putting out too much and overcharging the battery??

Good luck. I will keep an eye on my 2320 for the same problem..

brian

Nuru · Mar 30, 2008

Yep warranty issues - sounds like that to me too.

BigD9 · Mar 30, 2008

I'd be very careful about removing acid from a battery. Unless the acid level is above the full level rings for some reason, removing acid can only hurt the situation. If your acid level is at the correct mark, then it appears to be a overcharging problem caused by a regulator defect of maybe even a bad cell in the battery. In any case it seems to be a warranty problem that the dealer needs to address.

If you do decide to remove acid, be prepare to loose a shirt and a pair of bluejeans. My motor home has 6 batteries that need constant attention. Battery acid seems to have a mind of its own and no matter how careful I am, I get it on my clothing and in a week or so holes develop.

frank_f15 · Mar 30, 2008

just add my 2 cents! WARRENTY ISSUE either bad battery or over charging

Runner · Mar 31, 2008

I took another look at it, and several of the cells were a little above the bottom of the ring, so I removed a little electrolyte. I ran it for awhile and didn't see the problem recurring, so maybe it's fixed. I'll keep an eye on it for awhile longer.

May still wind up at the dealer, but that is a last resort, if you know what I mean...

Incidentally, the best thing I've found for adding water, and now, removing electrolyte, is a big, plastic medical hypodermic syringe with a short piece of rupper tubing on the end. This holds the liquid without dripping and is a lot neater than trying to pour water into the cells.