battery crud?

linuxman51 · Sep 11, 2013

I was going over the tractor yesterday changing the oil, greasing the various things I came across, and noticed that the battery looks to be... worse for the wear, so to speak.
I've got a variety of things that have cheap batteries, expensive batteries, etc, and nothin' that looks like this, certainly not after a year. Not sure how old the battery on my JD is, at least two years, and it hasn't exhibited this, the year old (and shot, cheap piece of ****) battery on my craftsman is good to go, I've got an almost 10 year old OEM battery in my V70R that looks flawless (and it's hidden in the back in a compartment under a compartment under some carpet so it's never even been washed accidentally or otherwise), etc.

soo, I may be over-reacting, but this doesn't look good for a less than one year old tractor

Haven't called the dealer yet to ask em, I'll email the pics over and see if it's something that requires further attention, if not I reckon I gotta take the front end apart to clean and rhino line the battery tray. It hasn't had any issues starting or anything like that, but I'm not fond of the crud buildup and the rate at which it seems to be corroding things. The tractor spends a GREAT deal of time under the carport as well, so it's not out in the elements (don't want it fading :confused2: ) unless I'm doin' work.

thoughts?

AchingBack · Sep 11, 2013

This looks like what happened on my 2615 due to one of the cell caps being just a wee bit loose. It doesn't take much vibration to leak some of the acid.

6string · Sep 11, 2013

Wash that down with some baking soda and water and then more water. The second battery in my JD5105 leaked out the caps real bad and ate all the paint and pitted the battery tray. The OE battery had a vent hose and didn't cause any problem. My 3005 has not had that problem and it is on its second battery. I also got some of those felt "washers" at the auto parts store that are supposed to prevent corrosion at the cable terminals.

RalphVa · Sep 11, 2013

I like to have those felt washers underneath the post connectors. They sometimes keep this from happening. Wash your battery off more often (plain water if there's no white stuff). Wet doesn't hurt. It's when it gets too dirty and gets wet that current could leak across.

lostcreekranch · Sep 11, 2013

If you want to really clean use baking soda and real Coke. Then after all the bubbling stops wash thoroughly with clean water.

94BULLITT · Sep 11, 2013

It is common for this to happen, my Bobcat tractor did this. A small diesel engine usually runs rough and then a tractor going over steep terrain will cause the acid to come out of the caps. To be on the safe side check your charging system to be sure it is not over charging. I would remove the battery and clean everything up very good and paint it. You can get a Battery Mat. It is supposed to absorb the acid. Battery Mat home page When my batteries go bad in the tractors I am going to replace them with a AGm battery, either Optima or Oddesy.

Coyote machine · Sep 12, 2013

That is bad. carefully open up the caps and check each cell to see if any are overfull or underfull based on the split ring, the level at which the electrolyte should be at on each cell. You could easily have an overcharge condition, where the system is putting more volts back than the battery needs and could cause what you are seeing. Or it could be simply acid leaking from poorly sealing cap(s). I also don't like seeing the grounding cable so close to the battery and it's grounding bolt corroded and rusted as it is. You could remove it and lengthen the cable to allow for the ground bolt to go elsewhere away from the battery. That bolt MUST be clean and well sealed from corrosion. I like to use the felt washers AND a battery terminal spray to seal the post clamps to the posts. I find belt and suspenders work well!
Use the baking soda and water and keep that corrosion out of your eyes and off your skin AND clothes. Use safety goggles when working with this battery.
Also see what the charging voltage is when the engine is running and when you load it with the headlights. You want between 13.2Volts-14.5 volts MAX. any more is overcharging and needs attention. post back findings. Yeah, clean up entire battery plate and consider a battery mat too.
Good luck- nice catch!:thumbsup:

6string · Sep 12, 2013

I read a post a couple years ago where someone had this same problem and their solution was pretty good, they bought a plastic battery box and set the battery in it. I bought one to put in my 5105 and it was too big so I used it for a toolbox on my atv.

nelsond7004 · Sep 18, 2013

I have encountered the same issue with battery corrosion on my 2816. Ended up buying a new battery and replaced with new cables My positive terminal connector was hanging on by a thread.

I had thought about using a battery box, but ended using that spray on truck bedliner for the whole end of the tractor where the battery sits. Works and looks very nice I must say.

linuxman51 · Sep 26, 2013

Coyote machine said:
That is bad. carefully open up the caps and check each cell to see if any are overfull or underfull based on the split ring, the level at which the electrolyte should be at on each cell. You could easily have an overcharge condition, where the system is putting more volts back than the battery needs and could cause what you are seeing. Or it could be simply acid leaking from poorly sealing cap(s). I also don't like seeing the grounding cable so close to the battery and it's grounding bolt corroded and rusted as it is. You could remove it and lengthen the cable to allow for the ground bolt to go elsewhere away from the battery. That bolt MUST be clean and well sealed from corrosion. I like to use the felt washers AND a battery terminal spray to seal the post clamps to the posts. I find belt and suspenders work well!
Use the baking soda and water and keep that corrosion out of your eyes and off your skin AND clothes. Use safety goggles when working with this battery.
Also see what the charging voltage is when the engine is running and when you load it with the headlights. You want between 13.2Volts-14.5 volts MAX. any more is overcharging and needs attention. post back findings. Yeah, clean up entire battery plate and consider a battery mat too.
Good luck- nice catch!:thumbsup:

I'll check it out, I got slammed out at work and with home projects and haven't been able to look at the tractor much and my favorite forums even less. I'll scope it out. Buddy priced me an AGM battery for ~150, it looks like a honda civic battery. I may go that route as well.