Need Some Advise

[duckhunt]

Yesterday, I popped the hood on my tractor to find that my battery terminals are severely corroded, not only that, but the battery bracket and the battery plate, bolts and all are very rusty. I looks as if my battery may be leaking. I washed everything and sprayed some golf cart acid nutralizer on everything. Now what? Do I buy a new battery ASAP. This is a 2009 tractor with 125 hrs, the battery is very strong, but I'm dont want to have to replace the radiator brackets and what ever else it ruins. What do yall think?
BTW, the battery sits in front of the radiator behind the front grill.

 

[RoyJackson]

It's hard to say it was leaking...suggest you clean everything up as best you can and keep an eye on it. If it happens again, then consider replacing the battery.
Make sure those terminals are tight after you clean them up and re-install them. There's a paste you can use (name eludes me, but I got it at NAPA or Autozone) that protects the terminals from corrosion.

 

[Stonehaller]

Could be a sign that your battery is getting over charged. Did you check the water level in the battery? Low levels in the battery may indicate it is overcharging creating the mess and you should get your charging system checked. Or if you have left a 'cheap' battery charger on it too long, that could have over charged the battery as well. If the level is low, add distilled water and then keep an eye on it. If the level drops again, then it is probably a defective voltage regulator.

 

[RalphVa]

Best preventer of corrosion that I've used are the little felts that are installed underneath the clamps on the posts.

Is your battery sitting level? I had a battery on my Tacoma exhibit these problems because the battery tray wasn't big enough. I got another tray to let the battery sit level, and it was okay.

Keep the top of the battery clean. Stray currents love dirt and a little bit of dampness.

Ralph

 

[duckhunt]

I'll check the water level, I've never put a charger on the battery, never needed too,

I know corroded terminals are nothing uncommon, but the corrosion on all the other metal around the battery really worried me, the battery sits level, installed from the factory, never been removed.

How do I check to the voltage amount, (without hauling it to the dealer) it should be putting out @ 14 volts right?

 

[Raspy]

Voltage at the terminals with the engine running and the battery charged, should be about 14.1 volts.

Definitely check the water level in the battery if it has removable caps. If your tractor can sit for a week or more and still start in this cold weather, the battery is probably OK. After sitting overnight you can check the "rested" voltage before starting. It should be about 12.6.

You might find a marine plastic box that fits in the battery box or location where your battery sits. This would keep any acid away from the metal parts below it. Make sure the terminals and the wire lugs are clean and tight. Those felt washers are a good idea too.

If it still seems to be weeping, change the battery. A "maintenance free" or, as I like to call them, "maintenance impossible" battery might be a better choice in your case. An optima might be the best of all because they can run at an angle or even upside down and they can't slosh acid while bouncing around.

 

[Travelover]

.........
How do I check to the voltage amount, (without hauling it to the dealer) it should be putting out @ 14 volts right?

Buy a multimeter. Harbor Freight has them for a couple of bucks on sale, free with the right coupon.

Also baking soda works great for neutralizing battery acid and is dirt cheap.

 

[Danno1]

.


I clean the batt tray. Paint it. When dry, sprinkle baking soda and then install batt. Clean terminals. Install the felt things and then install the cables. After you tighten them, coat them w wheel bearing grease (that's just what I had avail, any type grease will do) .

Ya, it may be messy, but you'll never see any more corrosion!


.

 

[Baby Grand]

The red laquer (or what ever it is) spray from NAPA works well to prevent the terminal corrosion. Sounds to me like it may have been outgassing (corrosive fumes) from overcharging, as Stonehaller mentioned.

 

[brucewj]

I had similar problems with the battery on my truck. I used the felt circles, sprayed the post with the red corrosion preventer, used the battery cleaner spray, baking soda, spraying with wd40, and everything else I could think of. The corrosion always came back.

I finally cleaned the posts once again, then sprayed with Fluid Film. I have not had any more corrosion.