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Battery getting hot?

NickCWebb

NickCWebb

PCGB Member
Member
Our late 1985 3.2 has had a problem with batteries over the years, and I have always put this down to lack of use. Since buying a battery conditioner, I thought we had cracked the problem. Recently though, I backed the car out of the garage to the end of the drive and the engine stalled and would not restart because there was insifficient capacity left in the battery (conditioner showed the battery as full prior to disconnection). It was a few years old, so I didn't think too much of it and just replaced it with a Bosch Silver HSB096 (greater starting capacity).

We went for a long run yesterday, and when we got back, I went to connect the battery conditioner, and noticed that some of the electrolyte had come out of the vent, and that the battery was hot to the touch. Thinking back, I remember that the old battery had been "fizzing" when I garaged the car and prior to connecting the battery conditioner.

Is this an indication that there is something wrong with the charging circuitry on the car? The alternator light on the dash lights when the ignition is switched on, and goes out when the engine is started. I haven't yet put a meter on the battery terminals to check the voltage when it is being charged with the engine running, so cannot provide a voltage reading. I looked for the voltage regulator which I thought was supposed to be on the left side of the engine bay, but couldn't see it, is that where it is located, as I am wondring if it needs replacing?

Regards, Nick Webb
 
You need to measure the charging voltage. Probably regulator failure which is delivering too much voltage to the battery and cooking it! The regulator pack is located on the back of the alternator.
 
You need to be very careful if it is overcharging the battery as there is a very real potential for setting fire to your car. You are generating lots of hyrogen when the battery is overgassing and cooking itself. Not good for the battery at all and failure will occur quickly if left likethis and not repaired. Your diode pack will probably be faulty on the alternator.
Alasdair
 
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