Delco Restoration Battery Question

[R N.]

My '66 L-72 has a Delco restoration battery that I believe to be a few years old. My problem is the battery cell closest to the exhaust manifold is constantly leaking battery acid. The cell is not over filled and the charging system appears to be fine. Can someone perhaps tell me why it always leaks acid. The only thing I could think of that the exhaust manifold is causing the battery fluid to heat and expand causing the spill.

The battery holds it's charge well and has always started the car, etc. But I'm tried of always cleaning the acid to prevent damage.

Also, can anyone tell me which new Delco maintainence free battery will fit to use as an replacememt. I think I'll retire the restoration battery for judging.

Thanks all.

Kurt Neiman

[Wayne K.]

Re: Delco Restoration Battery Question

Kurt,

Your prbably right. Unless there is something wrong with the condition of that cell it is most likely from heat expansion. You may want to fill that one only until the plates are covered when cold and see if that stops the problem. If it does then check that one frequently to make sure that the plates remain covered.

Wayne

[John H.]

Re: Delco Restoration Battery Question

Any Delco Group 24 will work - I have the Delco "Professional" #24-7YR in my '67, also had one in my '57.

[R N.]

What about top posts

John:

Do you have top posts? I really don't want to have to change the cables as I have the correct ones now for the original style battery and would like to keep them.

Thanks,
Kurt

[Wayne K.]

Re: What about top posts

Kurt,

I purchased a Delco replacement battery from my local Chev dealer but without looking at it I do not recall what the number is although I can tell you that I have the correct cables on the car and they fit the to posts on the replacement battery.

Wayne

[Wayne K.]

I was meaning to say top posts in last message. *NM*

[Larry S.]

Re: Delco Restoration Battery Question

Kurt

I have a 66 L-72 convert and have had the same problem.I am no chemist but I belive the problem has something to do with how close the positive terminal is to the battery hold down strap/bracket.And I feel that the metal so close to the battery positive cable (take a look no matter how you twist the cable its close)that it would leak electricity causing the acid problem.Mine always caused problems in the positve corner of the battery hold down bracket.

last year I stored the car over the winter and left the hold down bracket off,battery in place but the positive cable off and I had no leakage.prior year I always had leakage.

This is my observation and I will be interested to see if anybody else has deducted a simular reason

[Mike M.]

Re: I was meaning to say top posts in last message

Wayne: you can buy a top post group 24 from mr delco . mike

[John H.]

Re: What about top posts

Yup, has top posts, in the correct locations.

[David J.]

Re: Delco Restoration Battery Question

Is it leaking from the vent cap or between the container and cover? If the vent cap is worn, you should be able to contact the MFG and get a replacment cap. I work for a battery MFG and when a customer calles for a replacement vent cap we provide them with what they need.
If it is leaking between the container and cover get rid of the battery right away.
In one of my former jobes I worked in the lab testing lead acid batteries and when the vent cap fails and a spark is introduced to a gassing battery your going to doing allot of restoring under the hood.
If you have any questions on automotive batteries let me know.