Battery Corrosion - Replacement??

[jcarpio]

Hi all-

I've been busy taking care of surface rust issues in my battery boxes, along the seam of the body where it touches the gas tank and the gas tank edge itself. I'm certain this is because of leaking batteries, but I'm not sure if they were caused by my current batteries or previous ones (relative new owner here). The batteries I'm running are Universal Battery and are "spill proof." They don't show signs of leakage or cracks, but there is yellowish powder all over the tops of the batteries and in the boxes but the terminals are clean.

Does this residue merit battery replacement? Or should I clean them up and re-install?

Attached is a pic of the battery box, pre-POR15.

Thanks everyone.

[robmog]

make sure before you paint that you neutralize the surface with baking soda,then rinse thoroughly. i think all batteries can leak if overcharged except for a truely sealed brand like "optima" but i have no experience with that brand.
bob

[NiceT]

That does not look too bad. Bob is right that baking soda and a good stiff brush will neutralize that. Rinse it well and blow it dry. Keeping it dry after that is the key. I am always reluctant to use black POR-15 in this situation as it looks like you are hiding something. Clear POR-15 would be a better option. That rubber strip that is still there is to keep the battery from sitting in any spilled acid and allowing constant dampness the rust thrives on. You could add a tray under the battery to catch any acid spills too.

Daron

[jcarpio]

Thanks, my thoughts exactly on the POR-15 which is why I ordered clear. Any idea where to get the rubber strip replacments and/or battery tray inserts?

Guess you guys are saying I should re-install the batts with the proper pre-cautions...

[Bert]

Here is some good protection. You can cut the battery mat down to size to fit your battery box.

http://www.performanceproducts.com/p...=Battery%20Mat

Try Performance or Pelican Parts. They both carry it.

Good luck.

[jcarpio]

Thanks Bert, this looks like cheap insurance against battery acid.