Optima battery only solution?

tillboy2001 · Jun 20, 2005

Is installing a battery like the sealed optima the only solution to the acid dripping out on my 4120? A few times I've seen it bad enough that it foams up below where the battery is and it's eaten off some of the paint already. I will mention this to my mechanic (dealer), but if they're going to reinstall the same battery and won't pay for an optima, then I figure we may as well do it ourselves. Is the optima the only solution?

froggy · Jun 20, 2005

You could do something like this:
battery

See John Hardy's explanation:
johnday

tillboy2001 · Jun 20, 2005

I just called my mechanic a few minutes ago and he mentioned checking to see if there was a drain tube in place and if there wasn't, he'd see to it there was. I'll have to wait to see what happens when he comes out to fix the fuel gauge (which is not working). He'll check the battery issue when he comes for the gauge problem.

dmp437 · Jun 20, 2005

My 4310 has been in twice for leaking batteries. The first time it took out the transmission cooler (it's a hydro) along with corroding most of the metal in front of the cooler. It came back looking good as new with the "improved" Deere LVA11726 battery.
Two months later (a couple of weeks ago) the "improved" battery was leaking but hadn't got the cooler yet. I called the dealer and squawked about a getting a sealed battery (like an Optima /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ) and it came back (looking as good as new AGAIN) with a sealed Interstate battery at Deere's cost.
The dealer did mention about having to get the sealed battery replacement approved by the Deere field rep.

KennedyDiesel · Jun 20, 2005

If they atart to seep around the posts there's not much you can do. Delco side posts can do the same thing...

rockyridgefarm · Jun 21, 2005

At $100 for an Optima, there is hardly any other solution that makes sense to me. Even if the repairs are done in warranty, it still costs more in time to have a battery that can wipe out the radiators and frame. Optimas are 'bombproof' Every other 'solution' just tries to avert the problem. A tube leaking the fumes out the bottem isn't as real fix, somethings gonna get that nasty stuff. Automotive batteries aren't up to all the jolting that a tractor takes.

In addition to the protection from leakage, the Oprima is made to handle deep discharge situations better. With paltry alternators, and lots of places to stick lights, that is a huge asset.

Of course, your mileage may vary.