Battery acid and GRP

[NPMR]

I refilled the batteries the other day.

A few days later, I was cleaning the locker out which contains the batteries and found a small amount of water. At first, I assumed it was rain water then, having mopped it up, I got a very slight stinging sensation on my hands.

I washed whatever the problem was off and the stinging went away. I am now wondering

a) was it battery acid (in which case I seem to have overdone it as the battery case is intact and not cracked!)?
and
b) if it was acid, what harm will it have done to the GRP hull? There's bilge paint in there and in not too bad condition?

Any thoughts?

 

[rob2]

Firstly neutralise the acid by washing the area with a solution of soda. Then inspect the casings of the batteries, checking that the caps are screwed down and seating properly. Many batteries have a vent which can be fitted with a tube, you could lead these into a can or bottle to collect anything that is discharged. Did you charge the batteries? It's possible that a charging cycle could have caused them to get more excited than usual.

Rob.

 

[Beyondhelp]

Sulphuric acid does not affect GRP Still doesn't make it very nice though!

Usually I find has an odd smell too. You can get pads that absorb and neutralise the acid if its a problem and may be worth checking that over charging is not happening if you get this frequently.

 

[NPMR]

After winter storage, I had trickle-charged the 'acid' battery and refilled it, whilst in the shed at home. Then transported it to the boat and installed it.

It is possible the battery is not straight at the moment and some acid came out of the vent hole. Otherwise, maybe it is a bit full and has warmed/expanded in the warm weather we've had, causing it to overflow?

The case is intact and the screw tops are fully 'in' and reasonably tight but not wound down hard.

It's not been charged since arriving at the boat. The other 'gel' battery is on permanent charge from the solar panel but there is no connection to the 'acid' battery from the solar source. This one relies wholly on engine alternator.

Thanks for reassurance about the hull, though.

 

[VicS]

My battery is leaking at two places around the joint between the top and the case.

Bummer because it's not very old and is otherwise in good nick.

I wonder if frequently lifting them with a handle attached to the top is a good idea. I don't think I will do that with the replacement.

( I keep a small quantity of soda ash on the boat to neutralize any acid spills.)

 

[Beyondhelp]

That would surely be a warranty issue? Very very rare for that to happen. I wouldn't worry about carry handles either, I have several of these batteries that are lifted frequently for all sorts of jobs.

 

[Vara]

When people specify "soda" I wish they would be more specific, caustic soda, washing soda and baking soda are different beasts and the penalty for mixing them up can be interesting.

In this context, washing soda/soda ash, aka sodium carbonate is ideal for neutralising battery acid, baking soda aka sodium bicarbonate will also work but not quite as well.

Caustic soda aka Sodium Hydroxide would be a seriously bad idea.

 

[VicS]

That would surely be a warranty issue? Very very rare for that to happen. I wouldn't worry about carry handles either, I have several of these batteries that are lifted frequently for all sorts of jobs.

Unfortunately out of its warranty period.

I'm seriously think of trying to seal it up .. but it wont be easy.