retiredhappy
Kerrville, Texas
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Joined: 07/23/2003
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I have two extra coach batteries in the compartment next to the door. Whenever I pull out the drawer there is a white/yellowey power under the batteries. What is this and do I need to be concerned? I use an old toothbrush to keep the posts clean and I check the water level pretty regularly. I also have an off/on switch so I can shut off the batteries. When I am plugged in should this be off or on? None of my manuals say anything about this.
Karen West
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ScottnSherrie
Augusta, GA
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Joined: 08/02/2003
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I believe that is sulfur powder from the sulfuric acid in the batteries. This could be a sign the coach batteries are getting over charged, causing then to boil and release the sulfur.
Hopefully someone who knows more about the subject will jump in and either confirm or refute my SWAG.
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USAFBILL
Alabama
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Joined: 09/20/2002
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ScottnSherrie wrote:I believe that is sulfur powder from the sulfuric acid in the batteries. This could be a sign the coach batteries are getting over charged, causing then to boil and release the sulfur.
Hopefully someone who knows more about the subject will jump in and either confirm or refute my SWAG.
Exactly right, you need to get some baking soda and clean it up before it causes another problem.
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lzasitko
Regina, SK Canada
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Joined: 11/30/2005
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Corrosion and most commonly around the posts. Take water and baking soda and wash the post. Probably get a battery terminal cleaner and clean both the post and the cable terminator. If you want to stop or reduce it a lot put dielectric grease on it, it will act as a barrier to water.
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landyacht318
Near a large body of water
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Joined: 07/11/2007
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I ran into this problem when I had two mismatched batteries in parallel. The stronger battery was getting overcharged.
I had so much powder built up I hosed it out, and then had to scrub my dad's driveway.
Now my batteries are matched, age make and model and I have no further corrosion issues.
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smkettner
Southern CA
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Check your charging voltage levels and water levels in the battery to minimize gassing that can push some sulfuric acid out of the caps. Once the battery is charged 13.2 to 13.6 volts is plenty. Check water after charging and it should be above the plates but below the split ring that extends down into the cell.
The white stuff is, lead sulphate, iron sulphate etc from the acid getting on the metals. It is water soluble but may take some time. Baking soda will neutralize the acid. Get to an autostore and buy some spray on battery terminal cleaner and a can of spray on protectant. Use this products generously to minimize future trouble.
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tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
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after cleaning get some battery terminal spray or the felt washers that go over the post they both work well for best results use both.
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1fastdad
mo.
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ScottnSherrie wrote:I believe that is sulfur powder from the sulfuric acid in the batteries. This could be a sign the coach batteries are getting over charged, causing then to boil and release the sulfur.
Hopefully someone who knows more about the subject will jump in and either confirm or refute my SWAG. I don't know how old your battery's are but old battery's do this just before they need to be replaced. They don't hold a charge as long so the have to charge more and give of more gas.
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Caseydon
Simonton, Texas
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Joined: 07/27/2001
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Be sure you aren't overfilling the batteries with water. That will cause normal gassing to spit electrolyte out through the vent caps. As you've been told, fill to just below the bottom of the split ring tube extending down from the top.
Casey
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