Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

[Dan B.]

I picked up a new Exide group 24 top terminal battery and when it was turned vertically to install (as most of us have to do on the passenger side to clear) it released a bunch of acid out of the vent hole (see photo below). Same thing on removal recently. Nasty stuff to deal with.

I've never seen this before with any of the other installations I've done with other "sealed" batteries in the past. I know there must be vents by design, but I thought the lower one would seal if the battery was turned vertically for installation. Much like if the car were to roll on it's side in an accident so the acid did not leak out. Has anyone else had this problem with a recent battery installation? Has something changed in the manufacturing process?? I was thinking there must be a way to temporarily plug this hole for installation. Any thoughts ?

[Mark F.]

Re: Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

Hi Dan,

I was going to advise you to call the manufacturer, but I did a quick check for their SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) and they will probably not be much help because their SDS states the following:

VII. HANDLING AND STORAGE - Handling:Unless involved in recycling operations, do not breach the casing or empty the contents of the battery. Handle carefully and avoid tipping, which may allow electrolyte leakage. Single batteries pose no risk of electric shock... https://www.exide.com/us/sites/defau...REV%208%29.pdf

Keep in mind SDSs are designed to protect suppliers from liability - but, it might be interesting to see how the heck they would say you can install a battery in almost any car w/o tipping it, right! I know I couldn't on mine.

I know this is probably not much help - but more importantly - hopefully you were not injured during this process (burns or a badly strained BACK!). Be sure to wear splash goggles and acid-resistant gloves the next time you do this. Make sure you do this where you have access to plenty of clean flowing water in the event you get anything on you - PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE SPLASHED IN THE EYES!

Good luck and be careful! thx, Mark

[Dan B.]

Re: Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

Mark, Thanks for the link to that data sheet. It's interesting that when you look up the battery application to a mid year Corvette in their catalogue, it lists the battery I have, yet by reading the "handling" fine print, apparently you can't actually safely install it. They could have supplied a temporary vent plug for installation (it's a 1/4" hole). The manufacturer was of no help, in fact they don't even have an active working number customer service line. I wonder why they are not concerned about an acid spill if the car were to tip on it's side in a wreck.

Back story, this happened in the garage, I have the body partially raised off the frame now to do some repairs and was replacing the fuel line which runs under the battery box, so I had to pull the battery to remove the tray to do the install of the one piece line. It leaked straight down to the floor and was not a danger to me personally, but a bit splattered on the rear horizontal ignition shield and it actually removed the chrome (flash) where some droplets splattered that I missed in my clean up.

Never previously gave a thought to the vent hole locations when installing a battery before. I see they can vary quite a bit now between brands so something to watch out for in the future.

[Tim S.]

Re: Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

You just bought a battery in December of 2020 and the production date is May of 2019? I'd take it back and demand a fresher unit. Better yet, I'd get a different brand than Exide. If you'd like me to elaborate on that, I can.

Tim

[Ray K.]

Re: Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

Tim,
I totally agree with you. Buying a battery that has over one year of shelf life is not a good thing. Whenever I replace an auto battery, I always check the shelf life, especially if it's been stored in a colder climate. . . . . .
Ray K

[Dan B.]

Re: Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

Yes, I agree on the date, bought in Aug 2020 the last one they had at the time (supplier issues in this area). They will give me a new battery (mfg Nov.2020) now that they are in stock again if I wanted one, but it would still be a leaker if tipped over to install as it comes.

I have the same battery in my DD's and no issues with them as it's a straight drop in on those vehicles. By design, just not suitable for our Corvettes.

Would anyone have an idea on how to temporarily plug one vent for installation purposes?

[Mike M.]

Re: Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

i'd pack the holes with 3-M strip caulk. i'd run some duct or gorilla tape over the caulk just to be sure the caulk doesn't slip out of the holes. easy to remove once installed. mike

[Dan B.]

Re: Exide new Battery issue - acid leaking from vent hole during install

Thanks Mike, good thought.

I have the battery out, so I can give that a try away from the car.