VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Electrical - 6 volt Battery Leakage

I have a six volt battery that forms water near the cell caps while in storage. It is sitting on a wood board on top of a rubber mat and enough water discharges that it puddles-not just a mist. I have charged the battery as needed and washed and dried the the top but it continues to slowly puddle. Anyone have an idea why it does this? It is three years old and test fine when charged and holds a charge well.

If you have a hydrometer check the specific gravity of each cell
You might have a shorted cell causing heat. Just a thought.

Thanks. That's something I had not thought about. I don't have a hydrometer but I will check into getting one. I appreciate the reply as while it's not a big deal it has been bugging me not knowing.

Is the charger disconnected when this is happening?

Yes the charger is disconnected after charging and nothing else is connected to the battery. I got the battery when it was 2 years old and only use it for testing 6 volt items. It's much easier to use than getting at the one in my 32.

steve, are you adamant about using an "original" style battery?" i do love and recommend the 6v red top optima; great starting power AND no water! 1/2 the size, too. jim '30 coupe

The battery in the car is a Tractor Supply Exide and four years old and I have yet to add water. IT will sit disconnected in the car for the next 3-4 months and I expect it will still start the car in the Spring without charging. The one I started the post about is now three years old and my "bench" battery and I have added water at least once . I believe Andy is correct that it has a shorted cell and the other two are draining thru that cell. Just got home from picking up a hydrometer and will give it a check. It has sat around most of its life so I did charge it for three days to hopefully revitalize it. If that does not work then its off to the scrap yard.

Just tested with my new hydrometer and all cells are equal and specific gravity was 1.300 . Maybe the three day charge has helped-time will tell.

You didn't perhaps over-fill the cells did you? That is, they don't need to be filled to the top.

Just a thought,
Charlie

It's not overfilled-halfway from the top of the plates and the case top.

Here is another way I have used to check and see if you have a dead or shorted cell. You can only do it on batteries that have removable caps or covers for the cells.

Connect the positive lead of your volt meter to the positive terminal of the battery. Then attach a long nail or some type of metal rod to the negative lead. Insert the "probe" into the cell closest to the positive terminal and note the voltage reading. Then move the probe to the next cell and note the voltage. Do the same for the last cell.

The voltage reading should start at about 2 volts and increase by about that amount for each cell.

Be careful due to the acid in the battery. Rinse the probe in a solution of water and baking soda.

I have had the battery sitting for a couple weeks now and no discharge so hopefully the long charging session has restored it.

I had the same thing just happen and I think the cause was the caps leaking condensation out and on to the battery.

Just a guess at this point.

Dave