Boiling Batteries
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Boiling Batteries
Well I was farting around with torque last night and must have left the key in a bit too long. The truck was dead this morning.
After a quick call to AAA (That's AAA aye, for our Canadian brethren) and it was no problem. The guy did mention the batteries looked like they had been boiling, and he indicated a film around the cell openings.
What is boiling? Something I need to fix?
And if someone can provide a 6th grade science level explination that'd be great too. (Hey, school standards are pretty high these days)
After a quick call to AAA (That's AAA aye, for our Canadian brethren) and it was no problem. The guy did mention the batteries looked like they had been boiling, and he indicated a film around the cell openings.
What is boiling? Something I need to fix?
And if someone can provide a 6th grade science level explination that'd be great too. (Hey, school standards are pretty high these days)
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 13
From: Forest lake minnesota
Well I was farting around with torque last night and must have left the key in a bit too long. The truck was dead this morning.
After a quick call to AAA (That's AAA aye, for our Canadian brethren) and it was no problem. The guy did mention the batteries looked like they had been boiling, and he indicated a film around the cell openings.
What is boiling? Something I need to fix?
And if someone can provide a 6th grade science level explination that'd be great too. (Hey, school standards are pretty high these days)
After a quick call to AAA (That's AAA aye, for our Canadian brethren) and it was no problem. The guy did mention the batteries looked like they had been boiling, and he indicated a film around the cell openings.
What is boiling? Something I need to fix?
And if someone can provide a 6th grade science level explination that'd be great too. (Hey, school standards are pretty high these days)
Thread Starter
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
There are no phantom loads. And it wasn't torque. It was sitting in the truck with the key on all night while I used torque.
Thread Starter
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
System voltage us usually 13.5-14.0, if that counts, or do I need to pull out a multimeter and measure right from the alternator?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Well hey, sounds like you've got 'er all diagnosed then. Good luck!
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 13
From: Forest lake minnesota
Yes I was talking voltage and it looks like you are right where you should be, If you haven't been having any problems then I wouldn't worry about it. Like I said probably just junk on top the batterys..
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
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It's not necessarily too much voltage, but the alternator not cutting off when the voltage regulator senses the batteries are fully charged.
So, voltage output can be okay, but it is charging too much due to a bad voltage regulator.
So, voltage output can be okay, but it is charging too much due to a bad voltage regulator.
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
How would I be able to see this? Wouldnt that mean the batteries would go over 14v? I havent seen over 14 in a while.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Boiling is an overcharge for extended time. If it's cold batteries have high resistance so 14 might be too low. But if it's warm out, engine is hot, a voltage regulator is supposed to adjust charge downward. In practice though, if a battery has "boiled" this means water probably has to be added to replace that lost, to keep the electrolyte above the plates on a "standard" battery. Batteries lose water but normally slowly.
Would be a good idea to test the battery too, depending on the design it may be paperweight. And straighten out the charging system first, before replacing the battery, or may run into the same problem. This is important too because of the gases produced as the normal product of charging a battery. A low electrolyte level may be more susceptible to internal arcing. Bad deal. Keep batteries topped off and charging correctly.
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Would be a good idea to test the battery too, depending on the design it may be paperweight. And straighten out the charging system first, before replacing the battery, or may run into the same problem. This is important too because of the gases produced as the normal product of charging a battery. A low electrolyte level may be more susceptible to internal arcing. Bad deal. Keep batteries topped off and charging correctly.
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
Thread Starter
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
I havent had any electrical problems related to batteries in a long time. These are fairly new. I'll have them tested I suppose. I had them tested not too long ago. Drivers side was fine, pulling more than the 850cca it was rated for, the pass side had 1 marginal cell, and pulled 800cca.
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
The tow truck driver tested them today, and he said they checked out okay on his machine. Ill take them to interstate and have them tested to be sure, but I doubt they will be getting replaced. I dont see a problem here with them. I just left the truck on too long. I just wanted to know what boiling meant. And now I know.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,972
No, batteries won't go over the voltage being put into them, but once past fully charged then the extra energy boils the fluid.
The only way to know is to have it tested, a good parts store like NAPA can test it.