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Author
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Topic: Battery problem
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MidLifCrisis
Journeyman Posts: 23
From: USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 11-18-2001 12:36 AM
   
The battery in my '67 always looks wet around the fill caps. I think it is boiling off water and leaking it out. If you saw the battery tray I just replaced you would agree. Also, it looks like the fan is drawing the acid through it and spraying it thoughout the engine compartment. I have surface rust on the inner fenders and pulleys, and discolored paint on valve covers and air cleaner. Is the voltage regulator in need of replacing? I am guessing that it is over-charging the battery, and boiling off water. I am open to any advice. thanks, Charlie
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bluestreek
Gearhead Posts: 484
From: Athens,GA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 11-18-2001 08:53 PM
If your battery is boiling over, then I would suspect the voltage regulator.. I installed a newer style solid state regulator on my '66.. But a good auto electrical shop can recalibrate yours if you want to stay original..
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 18560
From: Saco, Maine MCA # 47773
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-19-2001 03:11 PM
I'd suspect overcharging, too. ------------------
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MidLifCrisis
Journeyman Posts: 23
From: USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 11-19-2001 10:01 PM
Thanks for the advice. I'll get a votage reg on the way home from work tomorrow. Charlie
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 2656
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-19-2001 11:22 PM
Little less than a year ago, I put an Exide 50 mo. battery in my 65. I got a flat top so that I could use the fake Autolite sta-ful top. Anyway, it took a s**t yesterday. Put it on the charger. This AM a buddy, a tech, came by and tested it. Diagnosis Battery is NFG! He thinks that it is overcharging a bit. Tomorrow, the new one will be in so I'll get it and check it out. I have one of those later style regulators on it with an early lid. Looks like a new regulator???
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bluestreek
Gearhead Posts: 484
From: Athens,GA
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 11-21-2001 10:47 PM
A battery going bad is not unusual.. Believe it or not, a battery lasts longer under constant use, compared to itermittent use.. The lead plates tend to corrode and plate over with oxidation when not used regularly.. New batteries can also leak around the posts, if not seal correctly from the factory.. Return it if you notice excessive leaking around the post.. A good battery sales tech should check your charging system for you after putting in a new battery.. Battery Maintenance tips:
1. Always keep your charging wires and cable connections clean and tight.. A poor connection can give a weak or bad signal to the regulator and alternator..
2. Install some felt post sealers below your clamps if they don't already have them.
3. If you crank your car or use up power for some reason..., Always be sure to drive it around or run it at fast idle for at least 10 minutes to allow the battery to stay fully charged.. "A properly charged battery is a happy battery". 
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Bluegras
Journeyman Posts: 15
From:
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 11-22-2001 11:11 PM
With engine running somewhat above idle, a voltmeter check showing much over 15-1/2 volts up is cooking the battery. This can be indication of at least two things. The regulator and/or a shorted cell in the battery. This condition can also burn the alternator.
To check for a shorted cell, if there are caps on each cell, take the test prods of the volt meter switched to a 0 to 5 volt setting or close and dip the (tips) into the electrolyte ONLY donnot touch the plates with the tips.Look for a readng of about 2.14 volts.(2.14x6cells=12.84) Any cell that has a very low or no reading is the bad cell. It's shorted and causing the regulator to react to a battery that cannot be charged to correct level.
Good luck,Bluegras
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MidLifCrisis
Journeyman Posts: 23
From: USA
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 12-01-2001 08:12 PM
Well, a new regulator solved my problem. Thanks for everyones support. Drive it like you stole it.... Charlie
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