Date:         Sun, 22 Jan 2006 14:40:38 -0500
Reply-To:     Don in North Carolina <vanagondon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don in North Carolina <vanagondon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: White powder in battery box bottom
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

> Date:    Sun, 22 Jan 2006 09:31:00 -0800
> From:    Malcolm Stebbins <mwstebbins@YAHOO.COM>
> Subject: White powder in battery box bottom
>
> I just removed the camping battery from under the the driver's seat (in my 'new to me' van).  This
> is a normal 'starter' battery, not a deep-cycle battery, but used for camping).
>
> There is a measurable layer of white powder on the bottom of the battery box.  The integrity of
> the metal battery box seems to be OK (no rust).  As the battery was completely! dead, I'm assuming
> that the battery acid spilled out over and onto the bottom of the box.  Correct??
>
> What, if any, special proceedures should I use to clean the box before I soak to box in Krown.com
> rust inhibitor oil??
>
> Thanks.  Malcolm

Malcom,

First step is to remove the powder carefully - it could be baking soda
or crystallized battery acid, since you don't know which - be
careful!!

Next mix some baking soda (not baking powder, baking soda) and
distilled water together, ~1/4 cup soda to 1 cup water.

NOTE: Make sure that you have adequate ventilation and you are wearing
safety glasses / goggles (and old clothes!)

Either carefully pour the mixture in the empty battery area, or use a
disposable brush - watch out, when the baking soda neutralizes the
acid, it can react by bubbling, which will splatter acid - careful!

Once it appears that the acid has been neutralized, rinse the area
with distilled water.  You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to dry the
area before applying the Kroil.

Oh, and spring for an AGM or other sealed battery, the van's metal
will thank you!

--
Don in Reidsville, NC
1986 Kawasaki Concours
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
2001 Subaru Outback (H-6)
"I reject your reality and substitute my own." - Adam Savage