2019 F-250 SD, one of my two batteries is a leaker. Pinhole where the post enters the shell. Do ya suppose I could baking soda clean the terminal/connector and seal the post with some aquarium silicon sealant?

 

I wouldn’t futz around with three year old batteries and winter coming on. I would just replace them with better batteries.

Bob

 

Nah, won't last around that acid.
Battery replacement is the only way.
And, if you don't do it pretty soon then you'll end up with battery cable and terminal end issues that will follow you even after battery replacement.

 

Replace that POS Motorcraft battery.

 

Are you yanking my chain? You seriously want to fix a leaking battery? Go to Autozone and have them change the pair out. Fixed. You're welcome.

 

You know, sometimes $350-$450 is a real strain on the finances.
I can understand that, I'd be in a twist if I had to do that right now, my business has been in the toilet for going on two months.
Unfortunately for the OP, there really is no fix other than replacement.

 

That is my thought. Yes, it sucks but a leaking battery will bite you much more, not to mention the corrosive stuff blowing around under the hood. To me, that would be "penny wise, pound foolish" to try patch that battery.

 

If they are still cranking fine find something acid resistant to seal it and monitor it. No reason to make it into a bigger repair.

But as mentioned you have to replace both at once.

 

I would take that out and forget it. Might be able to run on 1 till he can afford to replace both. Once that thing lets go, you won't be able to stop the acid spray all over the engine compartment. Is it worth that risk?

 

My 21' has been sitting a couple of months now. Yesterday I looked under the hood before starting it up and found one of the batteries has corrosion built up under its holder. It appears it was over-tightened when it was installed. I started looking for 2 new replacement batteries this morning, preferably AGM's. I just read that I need to go threw ForScan to change the Batteries from Flooded to AGM after replacing them. Apparently the Batteries have different charge rates. Nothings simple anymore ..

 

Unless the batteries are flowing a stream of acid past the terminals, you can mitigate the corrosion and ill effects by doing a good thorough cleaning of the terminals and the posts. Then use a set of the terminal anti-corrosion washers between the battery and the terminal ends. If need be, repeat the process often until you are able to do a battery replacement. On my motorhome, the non "sealed" batteries are notorious for corrosion and leaks. I do the above process as well as the very generous use of a battery terminal anti corrosion spray. This typically gives me about 1 year between battery servicing. When I was not able to get the anti-corrosion spray, I used spray chain lube. It worked good but I did not get a full year between cleaning. Make sure ya really soak the battery cable wires, where they are crimped to the terminal ends with the anti-corrosion spray to keep the acid from "sweating" up the cable.

 

i fully understand not wanting to spend money if you are in a tight spot, as many are do to the current "situation" and can not afford the best solution as outlined (with some emphasis) above.

I would not use aquarium sealer, get it as clean as you can an use a 2 part epoxy such as JB Weld. Treat the terminals and cable ends with a terminal cleaner as well.

 

Where is the leak?

 

OP stated pin hole where the post enters the shell. Had a similar failure on my wifes Motorcraft battery when I took it to the dealer parts department is when I saw a large void between the case and the post.

 

Missed that.