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Thread: Coincidence or Problem ??

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    St. Augustine, FL
    Posts
    180

    Default Coincidence or Problem ??

    Following a recent travel trailer towing trip, I had evidence of the passenger side battery leaking acid on the ground under the battery. Checking battery electrolyte levels showed nothing out of the ordinary, although 3 cells were full to within 1/2 inch of the cap area, and the other 3 were above the plates. Battery charging voltage remained at 14 volts throughout the trip and return home. There was no evidence of leakage when parked in the driveway when I got home. I thoroughly washed the battery and tray area with baking soda and water and hosed it down good. The batteries are one year old. Now the coincidence part......I had the exact same problem with the previous set of batteries and in the same battery location. I know the batteries are wired in parallel and each receives the same charge........Problem???
    2005 Chevy 2500HD, CC, SB, 4X4, Duramax, ARE Topper, 60 gallon RDS toolbox/tank combo, Kennedy Headlight Booster, Isspro pyrometer and boost gauges, EGR Blocker, PCV Kit, Bilsteins, 265 Michelin MS-2, TTS Exhaust, pulling 35' Jayco travel trailer.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    13,573

    Arrow

    I believe it's a problem. In my experience, reports of others, and a common-sense view of it, the battery location does have an effect on the battery's health. I've had a few sets of batteries in my 2001, and in each case, the passenger side failed first. While I do not believe how it is wired is a factor, the heat in that area is. The air surrounding that battery is certainly much higher than the driver side, which gets regular fresh air that hasn't passed through the engine compartment. Some advocate seasonal battery rotation, which makes sense if you want to get the most out of the set, as a set. My previous set (Optima Yellow Tops) lasted 10 years, but may have gone longer had I rotated them. Usually, I'll just leave them as-is until one fails, then replace both. The remaining "good" battery then gets other duties elsewhere until it fails. Rotating may be a good longevity strategy, but in my experience, just messing with them creates an element of failure (such as weaker connections or stripped threads). That trade-off should be carefully weighed, if it is considered. Another option would be to isolate (from engine compartment heat) and ventilate that area, in some way. I've considered that, but haven't put it to serious thought.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    St. Augustine, FL
    Posts
    180

    Default

    DMax......Interesting comment regarding heat on the passenger side battery. I don't recall if both batteries had them, but I now remember my OEM batteries came with a 1/2 inch foam blanket around them that was discarded when the OEM batteries finished their 5 year tour. That may be something I will pursue further,
    2005 Chevy 2500HD, CC, SB, 4X4, Duramax, ARE Topper, 60 gallon RDS toolbox/tank combo, Kennedy Headlight Booster, Isspro pyrometer and boost gauges, EGR Blocker, PCV Kit, Bilsteins, 265 Michelin MS-2, TTS Exhaust, pulling 35' Jayco travel trailer.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Maplesville, AL - Home Base
    Posts
    536

    Default

    I reused those foam sleeves when I put my first set of replacement batteries in my truck. When I put in the Optima Yellow tops this past summer I discarded them since they didn't fit and after 9 years they were pretty brittle.

    I'm glad to hear other Yellow tops lasted 10 years. My first replacement set were NAPA 94 month or 86 month or whatever it was lasted 3 years. I was stuck in a small town when I needed replacements and the NAPA set was all there was. I didn't even bother with their prorated adjustment. Yellow tops now.
    Ed
    KM4STL

    '06 Sierra LBZ 4x4 Crew SB, Titan 52 gallon fuel tank, TTT/Schefenacker Mirrors
    '98 Suburban, 245,000 - sold 7-4-06

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    TX Panhandle
    Posts
    10

    Default Batteries replaced...finally

    My OEM batteries finally failed me...after 11 years. My '05 Duramax wouldn't start yesterday, and I replaced with Sam's Club Duracell units (830 CCAs), because they were out of Optima reds, and because they were $103 each. Also small town limitations. May regret this, and will be happy if I have 3-4 years of service, but we'll see how it goes. Couldn't believe the energetic engine spin when starting on the new set. Looking at 8-10 degrees for the morning start. BTW, I was still able to re-use my foam sleeves for the new units.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    South Milwaukee, WI
    Posts
    245

    Default

    Interesting read- had same issue once with the passenger side battery on my '01 Dmax. Never had a battery problem and all of a sudden, I couldn't start the truck one day after work. Got a jump and later smelled battery acid- passenger side battery was hotter than a pistol! Both had the foam wrap. Replaced with DieHard equivalents and never had another issue. Maybe location and/or rotation needs consideration.
    "Chessy56"
    So. Milwaukee, WI
    '01 2500HD, LB7, ~440K miles
    "Stock" engine. Dual fuel filtration system with Kennedy lift pump, BF Goodrich Commercial T/A Traction tires (sold to a dude from Texas- it's living a warmer life just fine down there now!).

    '17 2500HD, L5P (Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas to me!!!) Currently bone stock, 120K miles.

    "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and
    the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."
    Winston Churchill

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