Damaged battery.

[kds]

I bought a brand new Vetus, 70 ah battery and it was delivered in good condition.
Somehow, loading it from the car to the marina trolley, I must have hit it on something and acid leaked out of a crack in the side.
I obviously have on guarantee claim and Vetus say it is irreparable, but it seems a shame to throw away a brand new battery. The plastic case does seem a bit flimsy, but is it possible to repair it and refil the damaged cell ? I would want it to be a reliable repair.
Thanks, Ken

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[Dave_Knowles]

I am sure years ago there used to be something available to repair battery cases. Can't remember what it was though. Does anyone else?

<hr width=100% size=1>Cleopatra Boats at
http://www.MyCleopatra-chandlery.co.uk

 

[Talbot]

Not worth the money to have something that might leak acid into your boat. Go to a caravan shop and you can get a 110 a/h for abt £50, 80 a/h for abt £40.

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[Chris_Rose]

If you have ever experienced vineger in your eye, imagine what sulphuric acid will do to your skin or boat.!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get rid of it, it aint worth the bother

<hr width=100% size=1>"if it aint broke don't fix it, or get a bigger hammer"

 

[Cantata]

I had a battery leak into the (GRP) moulding where it lived on our Sadler. It didn't appear to do anything to the GRP whatsoever, much to my surprise! Burnt holes in my trousers getting the pesky thing out, though (the battery, that is).

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[VicS]

Yes I remember that there used to be something but I suspect the materials used for battery cases these days are different and that effective repair is now not feasible.

Grp is reasonbly resistant to attack by strong acids but sulhuric acid will not be too kind to any wood that it comes into contact with. All in all though it would be pretty undesirable to have a battery on board which might leak un expectedly unless it were in an acid proof container which would contain any leakage.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[snowleopard]

While I wouldn't like to advise on repairs to the case, I can tell you that you can re-fill a brand new battery with acid. suppliers of acid have to be registered and are few and far between, ask your local battery supplier for the nearest one.

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[Trevor_swfyc]

Ken,

The case should stand up to a knock, certainly if you were unaware of it actually happened. I would try to get Vetus to accept it back for inspection in case it was a substandard moulding.

Repair is out of the question as nobody could guarantee it would not let go again and cause considerable damage to whatever came into contact with the acid.
Which is a concern, did any acid get into the car boot, if it did I hope you have washed it out with plenty of water and then with dilute sodium bicarbonate, finally wash and dry boot. Else you will not only have a hole in the battery but also in your car boot! /forums/images/icons/mad.gif

Good luck.
Trevor



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[William_H]

However if you decide to try a repair (after confirming you can get acid for the cell) suggest epoxy ie Araldite ito fibre glass mat or cloth to give a decent build up of resin. If it is kept in one of those plastic battery boxes and it will still fit in after repair you may be ok regards will

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[kds]

Thanks for all the ideas. Building boats is 2 steps forward and one back, isn't it ?
Ken

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