Leaking Battery

[charles]

I replaced my battery with a maintance-free battery because the battery was leaking acid which caused extreme corrosion of the bottom plate (why is there no drain?). I saw the same problem with another galaxy. Is this due to the very high temperatures under the bonnet? Or should a check the voltage regulator of the alternator?

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Assuming you didn't change the battery yourself, whoever did change it should have checked the charging voltage at the time. If not, buy or borrow a voltmeter and check the voltage across the batterty terminals with the engine at idle, and then when reving it slightly eg to 2750rpm. If it exceeds about 14.5volts at 2750rpm, then there is a problem with overcharging. If it remains under 13.2 volts at idle or at 2750rpm, its not being charged enough.

The leaking is unlikely to be due to high under-bonnet temperatures but more likely to be a faulty battery case or poor manufacturing.

[Ivor_E_Tower]

I should add...remove the new battery and boil a kettle of water; wash/pour this over the area where the old battery had leaked. Dry it thoroughly with a rag (mind you don't scald yourself) then paint or otherwise protect the area affected by the leak, especially if bare metal was exposed.

[Guest reefer]

I assume the battery clamp is tight. If not the battery casing may have been damaged causing the leak.

If it is loose go back to the firm that fitted it and make them put all the damage right.

[charles]

thanks for your advices.

The charging voltage is 14.25V and stays to that with rising revs. Alternator seems therefor OK. I have read in the haynes book that the clamps must not be over-tightened.

This causes deformation and may cause leaking poles.