Thermal Runaway
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 159
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From: Lincoln County
Thermal Runaway
Here's a new one for me...the other day I noticed the passenger side battery in my 2000 X 2wd PSD venting and then it got really hot. I carefully lifted the battery out of the engine bay and set it on the ground away from the X, but it stayed too hot to touch for more than 24 hours. It now reads very low voltage and the sight window is black. I already have a replacement battery in the truck, but thought I'd pass this one on to y'all.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 77
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From: Dallas
Thermal runaway is associated with Ni Cad batteries, and ends up with the battery catching fire or exploding. Sounds like your battery took a major dump...might check the alternator for excessive charge. Wierd though...what made you check the battery?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 159
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From: Lincoln County
Yes, I am a USAF pilot and am familiar with the term as it applies to the Ni Cads that modern aricraft use, hence I used it to describe what I saw with my battery (even tho it isn't the same thing).
I had stopped to refuel, and as usual opened the hood to check the oil and to make sure nothing appeared amiss. As I noted above, what caught my eye was that I observed vapor venting from the top of the battery. I could also smell a slight acid smell, so suspected immediately that something was wrong. I was close to home at the time, so I drove back to the house to remove the battery.
Anyway, I've checked the voltage with and without the engine running, and nothing seems out of spec. I'll keep an eye on it, though. Thanks for the feedback.
I had stopped to refuel, and as usual opened the hood to check the oil and to make sure nothing appeared amiss. As I noted above, what caught my eye was that I observed vapor venting from the top of the battery. I could also smell a slight acid smell, so suspected immediately that something was wrong. I was close to home at the time, so I drove back to the house to remove the battery.
Anyway, I've checked the voltage with and without the engine running, and nothing seems out of spec. I'll keep an eye on it, though. Thanks for the feedback.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 159
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From: Lincoln County
Not a problem...! While thermal runaway is properly associated with NiCads, conventional batteries can explode as well. I just wanted to get the info out to our PSD brethren that there is a potential problem with the batteries, and to maybe keep an eye on them.
I currently fly the C-5 Galaxy at Travis AFB, near San Francisco. Good duty -- if you like being a long-haul truck driver...!
I currently fly the C-5 Galaxy at Travis AFB, near San Francisco. Good duty -- if you like being a long-haul truck driver...!
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Dallas
Naw all you need is a safety pilot. Someone who meets the insurance requirements for that aircraft and someone who you trust to look out the window.
Mark
Mark
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