Corrosion

[VTMopar]

Restored the whole engine compartment, including paint) over the winter and installed a new battery (original type) in march.   Last week, battery is dead (has 3 dead cells even after overnight trickle charge) and then I noticed that one of the "new" fender tag screws (which were brand new) was corroded.   

When I called the manufacturer re: the battery they indicated perhaps it was damaged -- case was cracked or something (I cannot see anything -- and there is no leakage.

That said -- Is there something going on -- voltage leakage -- that I can check for?     I'm at a loss.....   


Vermont MOPAR

[Mopar73340]

If you have corrosion around the battery and everything was new (screws, paint, etc)  sounds like the battery acid was getting on there for some reason. My first guess is possibly the battery is being overcharged since you don't see any leaks or cracks in the body of the battery. I would test the output current of the alt and replace the valotage regulator before you install a new battery.

[VTMopar]

There's no stray battery acid.   All is very clean -- dry.    Is there any way there could be "stray voltage?"   
 

Vermont MOPAr

[Bullitt-]

VM I think you have the right idea with a voltage leak, I would look at wiring & devices in the area, like the starter relay, & see if there is any evidence of other corrosion or something shorting to the body. 

[Mopar73340]

There's no stray battery acid.   All is very clean -- dry.    Is there any way there could be "stray voltage?"   
 

Vermont MOPAr

I guess thats also a possibility, but I would suspect the dissimilar metals before the stray voltage from the electrical system theory. Make sure all of your electrical connections are clean and tight though. In the past when I have had electrical problems due to bad connections, the corrosion or arcing occurs at the poor connection not somewhere else. I have seen lots of these older cars with corrosion around the battery due to battery acid. Just a thought.

[Chryco Psycho]

I use Optima batterys , they are a dry cell ,sealed & can be mounted upside down & last for a long time

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I use Optima batterys , they are a dry cell ,sealed & can be mounted upside down & last for a long time

...And they look cool too. 

[Chryco Psycho]

the corrosion could be from the hydrogen gas coming from the battery while charging it , new lead acid batterys are not made as well as they used to be due to environmental impact I believe

[ShelbyDogg]

To test for a voltage leak,  put a little light bulb between the positive post and the positive battery cable. If the light lights up at all, you have a circuit somewhere draining your battery The brighter bulb glows, the larger the current draw from the offending circuit.  Start unplugging connectors till the bulb goes out, then start troubleshooting that circuit.  A light bulb can also be used to find a shorted curcuit that keeps blowing fuses, by connecting the bulb in place of the blowing fuse.

My alarm and stereo memory and bass capacitor all draw a little current that will drain my battery over time.  I disconnect it whenever it will sit for more than a couple of weeks. A couple of deep discharges will kill any battery.

[VTMopar]

Good thought on the gas -- it is a new battery and I did charge it up a few times....

thanks for the tips! 

Vermont MOPAR