Date:         Fri, 28 May 2004 16:21:52 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Battery Corrosion Treatment
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Forgot and left the lights on, pulled the battery down. Wouldn't start
this morning. I checked the battery before putting the charger on it and
discovered the outboard (passenger side) three cells acid solution was
down. The inboard of the three was level with the top of the plates, in
the outboard two the level was below the plates. I decided to pull the
battery for service, and to charge, and discovered huge corrosion in the
battery box. Bottom and outboard (passenger side again) were healthy
with the stuff. Most all the paint in the box bottom and half way up the
sides was eatean away by corrosion getting under it. When I lifted the
batter from the box I noticed the outboard end of the box, and the
sidewall, was very wet. It appears there is some kind of leak in the
beattery where the cap of the battery joins the case. I can't see a
crack however. I will have the battery tested at the shop to determine
if the battery is gone or not.

The corrosion is my big issue. I have scraped out most of the corrosion,
then washed it down with a soda and water solution. I next brushed it
with a sttel wire brush and then sanded as best I could.

Questions?

1) What is the best anti-corrosion pickling agent to use to protect
against further corrosion?
2) What is a good/best anti-corrosion paint to repaint the battery box
with? Bitumin?? Other?

Anyone with experience in fighting this problems??

Thanks,

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver