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Sulfuric acid. Nothing to worry about (NOT) Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Tue, 29 Nov 2005 08:40:10 In Reply to: What's The Ash-Like Stuff Accruing On The Battery Tray?, Pierre, Mon, 28 Nov 2005 20:47:41 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The battery outgasses during charging, and that carries some electrolyte vapor. This contains a small amount of sulfuric acid. The white powder is a crystaline form of the sulfuric acid. Also, any material that acid can attack and corrode also forms there.
Your best bet is to wash the area with a solution of water and baking soda. Rinse well, but don't play a hose on the area - you don't want to get adjacent electronics wetter than necessary.
A little outgassing is normal. If the buildup is rapid (days or a week or two), then you may be overcharging the battery - that would show up as high EDU voltage readings, and a need to add electrolyte. If the EDU voltage isn't high, and build-up is fast, it may be a crack in the battery, right at the seal where the post comes through. You can buy chemically treated felt washers that go over the post (then the clamp goes on) that neutralize the gas as it comes out.
It's pretty normal to see some powder buildup after a few months. I like to clean it off regularly.
I assume it was the alternator LIGHT that went out, not the alternator.
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