I own a 2002 Toyota Corolla, and I just noticed the battery (which was
replaced this February) is leaching something. There is a residue of blue
powder on top right side of it. Could someone let me know the cause of
this, and if it's something I can fix on my own? Will I have to replace
the battery? Is this blue powder sulfuric acid? My previous battery did
not have this problem. The car runs fine, so far. Thx everyone...

Your battery is weeping sulfuric acid. When the water portion evaporates,
what's left are the blue/green chemicals. This powder does conduct
electricity and is highly corrosive to metal ... namely your Positive
battery clamp. It's probably about time to replace the cheap stamped metal
clamp with either a new Toyota part or an aftermarket cast lead clamp. I
replaced mine with a cast lead one from Pep Boys. If you elect to clean the
clamp, you will need a "battery post cleaner" (conical wire brush tool) and
a tablespoon of baking soda to neutralize the dried acid.



"beatnixcar2005" <beatnixgirl (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

"Philip" <1chip-state1 (AT) earthlink (DOT) net> wrote

posts with either battery post protector available at auto parts stores or
lithium grease. The acid is probably weeping where the post protudes from
the plastic case. The other thing that may help is those felt "washers"
that slip over the post before installing the battery clamp. The felt is
treated with some kind of chemical and acts to keep the acid under control.

--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

""Dbu''" <nttspam (AT) s2-pc (DOT) om> wrote

It is quite rare for the negative post to accumulate these deposits. In any
case, make a point to not twist the battery post while you are removing the
clamp from the post and/or while you are turning the clamp nut. These
things DO NOT need to be torqued tight by a gorilla.
--

- Philip

""Dbu''" <nttspam (AT) s2-pc (DOT) om> wrote

Ah ... well then, every DIY'r should have a:

1) An inexpensive battery clamp puller. $10
2) A decent battery post cleaner tool (has two conical wire brushes, one for
posts, one for clamp).
3) A battery clamp spreader tool.

NEVER use a hammer to install, never use channel locks to remove, never use
a pry bar to lift off .... a battery clamp.


--

- Philip

On Sun, 02 Oct 2005 15:51:27 GMT, "\"Dbu''" <nttspam (AT) s2-pc (DOT) om> wrote:
BZZZZT! Sorry, no. If anything, loosen and remove the bolt on the
terminal clamp and spread it gently with a big flat blade screwdriver,
as in step 3 below. But the right tool is cheap enough, just go buy
one.

Again, the right tool is cheap enough, don't mess around.

Hey, if you didn't abuse the battery posts like that, you wouldn't
have the problem of loose leaky posts in the first place. And loose
posts rapidly turn into bad batteries, because lead has very bad
fatigue strength - the post flexing with the car going over bumps will
crack the internal cell connection strap and go open.

Oh, and to the original subject - neutralize those blue deposits
(probably some sort of copper salts from the battery acid) and any
acid droplets that might have escaped and settled on the fender or
inside of the hood with some good old baking soda and water and a
light scrubbing. Should be done to a car every 6 months or so, even
if you don't think it needs it.

Then you add the anti-corrosion felt washers to the battery posts,
and the protective sprays.

--<< Bruce >>--

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.

"Bruce L. Bergman" <blPYTHONbergman (AT) earthlink (DOT) invalid> wrote

SnIP

Try reversing the cables. See if the problem follows the clamp or the
battery post.

(just kidding)

On Sun, 02 Oct 2005 18:29:06 GMT, "Philip"
<1chip-state1 (AT) earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:
A A A A A A A a a a a a a a a g g g g g h h h h !!!!!

Don't Kid Like That. Someone's liable to miss the footnote and do
something really stupid. It's bad enough when they discover how to
let the Magic Smoke out of expensive parts on the car on their own.

--<< Bruce >>--

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.

"Bruce L. Bergman" <blPYTHONbergman (AT) earthlink (DOT) invalid> wrote


Are you still befuddled as to why horizontally opposed engines don't need
piston springs?
--

- Philip