Battery water overfilled, Acid spill around

strips007 · 17th November 2009, 23:42

When I went for car service two weeks back, battery water was topped. In the process the battery was overfilled with water. Today I opened car hood to check oil and I saw acid spilled over everywhere. I cleaned acid spill with soda powder solution. But there is damage near battery. Metal has paint removed and its already started rusting. Bolt holding the battery is corroded. Well these are not major damage I am worried about.

One thing got me worried, rubber hose from engine to radiator also has some acid spilled on it. So I am worried that hose may deteriorate due to acid damage and give way at most inconvenient time stranding me on some remote place.

Any advice is welcome....

Canned Heat · 18th November 2009, 00:31

Hey Buddy,If the hose is not deteriorated,cleaning it well wud help...if it is ..change it. If you have a battery breather tube,,see to it dat it isnt blocked. changing dat wud not cause overflow of battery acid

Jaggu · 18th November 2009, 12:32

Thoroughly clean the area with water, prepare the bare surface with a good anti rust paint and give a cover of body color paint as protection. Replace the bolt/terminal if required.

Ensure you take the battery to a good guy and reduce the electrolyte levels to normal.

IndigoXLGrandDi · 26th May 2010, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canned Heat

Hey Buddy,If the hose is not deteriorated,cleaning it well wud help...if it is ..change it. If you have a battery breather tube,,see to it dat it isnt blocked. changing dat wud not cause overflow of battery acid

Car Batteries dont have Breather Tubes.
Also some Bikes such as Pulsar dont have Breather Tube since it is Fully Maintenance Free.

Why the Service Guys fill Distill Water above the Max Mark when the Company recommends to keep the level below Max Mark?

The Electrolyte from our Indigo's Battery spills out every now and then.
What is the problem?

SirAlec · 26th May 2010, 18:17

Spills from where? which part? do you have any image.

Thad E Ginathom · 26th May 2010, 19:11

The easiest alkaline substance to clean up (neutralise) acid with is soap.

I wouldn't care to use caustic soda, as it is as dangerous to handle as acid is.

I used to make jewellery (just a hobby), which involves an acid bath to clean stuff up after soldering. The standard safety instruction is to let the piece cool before dunking it, but hey, it works instantly if it is still hot --- so there were always a few splashes*. Immediately on feeling that acid burn on the skin: soap and water. Same with the metal: remove all acid traces with soap and water.

If I remember rightly, it's dilute sulphuric in batteries? Same stuff I was using in my workshop.

*safety note: utterly vital to protect the eyes: a dilute acid splash on the skin, and a few holes in your working clothes, is one thing: acid in the eye is quite another

dadu · 26th May 2010, 20:05

Best is to clean up the area with Baking Soda and water and wash it up with plain water later on.

Use Com-paint to spray up the damaged area, its on inside so it wont matter how good or bad you spray, as long as you cover the area with paint.

Use old newpaper, to mask the surrounding area from getting painted.

IndigoXLGrandDi · 27th May 2010, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirAlec

Spills from where? which part? do you have any image.

Spills from the Filler Caps of the Battery. The Top Portion of Battery gets dirty due to the dust sticking on to the water coming out of Filler Caps.

Even after cleaning (and driving for some hundred kms on rough roads) the top portion gets dirty due to water spillage.

If I keep water level low (not low exactly but upto Max Mark), the Battery Dealer (not Car Dealer) advise me to keep water level high enough (i.e. up to Bottom of Filler Cap).

What to do?

clevermax · 27th May 2010, 16:13

What kind of water they have used for filling? Did they just filled it or checked the SG of the acid inside and suggested a top-up?
Don't allow the service guys to do anything with the battery - in that way maintenance free batteries will have maximum life.

SirAlec · 27th May 2010, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndigoXLGrandDi

Spills from the Filler Caps of the Battery. The Top Portion of Battery gets dirty due to the dust sticking on to the water coming out of Filler Caps.

Even after cleaning (and driving for some hundred kms on rough roads) the top portion gets dirty due to water spillage.

If I keep water level low (not low exactly but upto Max Mark), the Battery Dealer (not Car Dealer) advise me to keep water level high enough (i.e. up to Bottom of Filler Cap).

What to do?

You should keep it till the recommended mark, not more not less.

And clean the battery by following advice given above.

and why are you not switching to SMF battery.?

jinojohnt · 27th May 2010, 16:54

During my Alto's second service at Indus Motors in Trivandrum, I had to literally sit on the battery to prevent the mechanic from topping up with god-knows-what water. The mechanic was running to my car with a mug of water (without a funnel) to top-up.

More than just carelessness, I think that some 'mistakes' such as over-filling are done deliberately to generate future repairs.

simran · 13th September 2010, 14:20

I also experienced this. I had topped up battery water from a local guy some months ago, and was experiencing starting troubles. When I checked, saw some white residue on the Positive Terminal. Did not see it earlier, because the terminal was covered with a plastic cap.

The battery compartment has rusted, the nuts are rusted, and the water had spilled over down below, where there are white marks.

I have washed, and applied WD40. I think now I should go and get the battery holder painted. Should I show it at Honda Service, or is it Ok to go on after just painting and cursory checking to see rubbers etc are in order?

TIA for your help.

Thad E Ginathom · 13th September 2010, 16:40

It is very important to neutralize battery acid, not just wash it away. soap is a common, harmless alkaline that I found very useful when getting acid droplets on my skin.

R2D2 · 13th September 2010, 20:49

The best way to neutralise acid is a dilute solution of 2-3 TBSPs of baking soda mixed with a mug full water. Do not use caustic soda for Pete's sake! It will eat thru the metal.

Remember that the min and max marks on a battery are there for a reason! Use them unless you want to kill or battery (low water) or have acid ejected thru the vent caps into the engine compartment when the battery is charging (excess water).

As with nearly all fluids used in a car, overfilling never a good idea.

If you cannot see the water level thru the battery case, open the vent cap and pour only enough water so it comes up to the grid separators. Excess water can be drained out using a syringe or the water filling device used by battery shops.

Thad E Ginathom · 13th September 2010, 21:17

baking soda sounds like a good idea. Should give feedback, too by fizzing on contact with acid

I believe this is sodium bicarbonate (confirmation please?) just to help make sure nobody tries to sell you caustic soda*, which is as dangerous as dilute sulphuric acid.

*Sodium Hydroxide? Not so sure about this one.

17th November 2009, 23:42	#1
strips007 BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: delhi Posts: 41 Thanked: 3 Times	Battery water overfilled, Acid spill around When I went for car service two weeks back, battery water was topped. In the process the battery was overfilled with water. Today I opened car hood to check oil and I saw acid spilled over everywhere. I cleaned acid spill with soda powder solution. But there is damage near battery. Metal has paint removed and its already started rusting. Bolt holding the battery is corroded. Well these are not major damage I am worried about. One thing got me worried, rubber hose from engine to radiator also has some acid spilled on it. So I am worried that hose may deteriorate due to acid damage and give way at most inconvenient time stranding me on some remote place. Any advice is welcome....
	() Thanks

18th November 2009, 00:31	#2
Canned Heat Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bombay Posts: 8 Thanked: 16 Times	Hey Buddy,If the hose is not deteriorated,cleaning it well wud help...if it is ..change it. If you have a battery breather tube,,see to it dat it isnt blocked. changing dat wud not cause overflow of battery acid
	() Thanks

18th November 2009, 12:32	#3
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,381 Thanked: 17,282 Times	Thoroughly clean the area with water, prepare the bare surface with a good anti rust paint and give a cover of body color paint as protection. Replace the bolt/terminal if required. Ensure you take the battery to a good guy and reduce the electrolyte levels to normal.
	() Thanks

26th May 2010, 18:17	#5
SirAlec Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: zxc Posts: 3,395 Thanked: 727 Times	Spills from where? which part? do you have any image.
	() Thanks

26th May 2010, 19:11	#6
Thad E Ginathom Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 11,429 Thanked: 29,941 Times	The easiest alkaline substance to clean up (neutralise) acid with is soap. I wouldn't care to use caustic soda, as it is as dangerous to handle as acid is. I used to make jewellery (just a hobby), which involves an acid bath to clean stuff up after soldering. The standard safety instruction is to let the piece cool before dunking it, but hey, it works instantly if it is still hot --- so there were always a few splashes. Immediately on feeling that acid burn on the skin: soap and water. Same with the metal: remove all acid traces with soap and water. If I remember rightly, it's dilute sulphuric in batteries? Same stuff I was using in my workshop. safety note: utterly vital to protect the eyes: a dilute acid splash on the skin, and a few holes in your working clothes, is one thing: acid in the eye is quite another Last edited by Thad E Ginathom : 26th May 2010 at 19:13.
	() Thanks

26th May 2010, 20:05	#7
dadu Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 3,803 Thanked: 463 Times View My Garage	Best is to clean up the area with Baking Soda and water and wash it up with plain water later on. Use Com-paint to spray up the damaged area, its on inside so it wont matter how good or bad you spray, as long as you cover the area with paint. Use old newpaper, to mask the surrounding area from getting painted.
	() Thanks

27th May 2010, 16:13	#9
clevermax Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tvm/Amsterdam Posts: 2,112 Thanked: 2,897 Times View My Garage	What kind of water they have used for filling? Did they just filled it or checked the SG of the acid inside and suggested a top-up? Don't allow the service guys to do anything with the battery - in that way maintenance free batteries will have maximum life. Last edited by clevermax : 27th May 2010 at 16:16.
	() Thanks

27th May 2010, 16:54	#11
jinojohnt Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 1,163 Thanked: 832 Times	During my Alto's second service at Indus Motors in Trivandrum, I had to literally sit on the battery to prevent the mechanic from topping up with god-knows-what water. The mechanic was running to my car with a mug of water (without a funnel) to top-up. More than just carelessness, I think that some 'mistakes' such as over-filling are done deliberately to generate future repairs. Last edited by jinojohnt : 27th May 2010 at 16:56.
	() Thanks

13th September 2010, 14:20	#12
simran BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 170 Thanked: 13 Times View My Garage	I also experienced this. I had topped up battery water from a local guy some months ago, and was experiencing starting troubles. When I checked, saw some white residue on the Positive Terminal. Did not see it earlier, because the terminal was covered with a plastic cap. The battery compartment has rusted, the nuts are rusted, and the water had spilled over down below, where there are white marks. I have washed, and applied WD40. I think now I should go and get the battery holder painted. Should I show it at Honda Service, or is it Ok to go on after just painting and cursory checking to see rubbers etc are in order? TIA for your help.
	() Thanks

13th September 2010, 16:40	#13
Thad E Ginathom Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 11,429 Thanked: 29,941 Times	It is very important to neutralize battery acid, not just wash it away. soap is a common, harmless alkaline that I found very useful when getting acid droplets on my skin.
	() Thanks

13th September 2010, 20:49	#14
R2D2 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 3,257 Thanked: 5,849 Times	The best way to neutralise acid is a dilute solution of 2-3 TBSPs of baking soda mixed with a mug full water. Do not use caustic soda for Pete's sake! It will eat thru the metal. Remember that the min and max marks on a battery are there for a reason! Use them unless you want to kill or battery (low water) or have acid ejected thru the vent caps into the engine compartment when the battery is charging (excess water). As with nearly all fluids used in a car, overfilling never a good idea. If you cannot see the water level thru the battery case, open the vent cap and pour only enough water so it comes up to the grid separators. Excess water can be drained out using a syringe or the water filling device used by battery shops.
	() Thanks

13th September 2010, 21:17	#15
Thad E Ginathom Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 11,429 Thanked: 29,941 Times	baking soda sounds like a good idea. Should give feedback, too by fizzing on contact with acid I believe this is sodium bicarbonate (confirmation please?) just to help make sure nobody tries to sell you caustic soda, which is as dangerous as dilute sulphuric acid. Sodium Hydroxide? Not so sure about this one. Last edited by Thad E Ginathom : 13th September 2010 at 21:20.
	() Thanks