Batteries boiling

[rheavn]

My two wet cell starting batteries have been boiling water out as the coach sits in the garage hooked up to power. Charger shows charging in float mode. Volt meter verifies batteries receiving float charge. My batteries have always started the coach without fail. They are just starting year eight so I assumed they needed replacement. I checked each cell with a hydrometer and they tested still good. As I was removing the caps I noticed a slight woosh, like the batteries were under pressure. I left the caps loose for a few days and no more water boiling out. I cleaned the battery caps in a baking soda solution. The batteries no longer boil water out with the caps back in place. It was a very simple solution, although in messing with automotive stuff for close to fifty years I have never cleaned battery caps before. Maybe my experience will help some one in the future.

[tuga]

Eight year old starting batteries! What kind are they?

I usually get 4 years out of mine. I have whatever brand Newell uses, I think they were Interstates.

Sounds like you had some blockage in your caps; although I have never heard of that. My biggest problem with batteries has been the corrision that builds up on the posts. My '93 had that problem but the '99 hasn't so far and it has been 6 years on the house AGMs.

[rheavn]

Tuga,
My starting batteries are "NAPA Commercial" 8Ds, although I don't think the brand is the key. When I sold my Country Coach it drove out with a eight year old starting battery that was a Pro-Guide. Pro-Guide is the brand my battery shop sells.

I have totally stopped the battery post corrosion issue by liberally coating all posts & clamps with grease.

[truk4u]

Tuga,

When those house batteries go south, be sure to call me with Karen's CC number!:o

[tuga]

Thanks for the grease tip Steve. I guess that is why some shops use that red spray (I don't like it because it makes a mess). I think I'll try the grease trick.

Truk,

I'd rather use JDUB's CC.

[prairieschooner]

Tuga,
The Grease trick is from older mechanics use (my Grandfather taught me that trick). It was very effective when using Grease with Lead in it, not available in California. The Red stuff works well but you need to get it in the liquid form and not the spray can.
sorry but I am 'old school" on some things and usually a purist.

[HoosierDaddy]

Tried RedStuff....Went back to good-ol-grease. If you have to remove a battery cable and reattach the grease continues to protect,,RedStuff wont once the initial "seal" is broken.

[express1]

I'm with you Tuga, 8 years!!! I hardly have anything that even runs on batteries that is 8 years old, much less getting 8 years of life out of just the batteries.........After thinking about it...... other than my Newell, that just might be the only thing!!!!
gotta love it!