Battery

Anonymous-0 · Nov 23, 2012

I have a battery that does not hold a charge long. Seems like I have heard some time back, that you can put bakeing soda in it and clean out the plates. Is this right. If so, how do you do it correctly? Thanks, Bob

showcrop · Nov 23, 2012

There have been posts about rejuvenating old batteries but I have never tried it and don't know how. Being from a chemical background however, I will suggest that you not add baking soda to the acid in your battery because the two can react violently, and in the least would result in a rapid generation of a lot of foam and release of explosive hydrogen gas.

buickanddeere · Nov 23, 2012

A charged battery requires a strong acid solution to " store a charge". Adding baking soda will neutralize the acid.
There are times when some experiment with no regard for potential explosions in the immediate or long term. When the battery has been fully charged. The acid poured out. The battery turned upside down and the loose sediment been flushed out. Then fresh acid added.
Now if you want to phart around for a few hours and spend $$$ on acid to at best partly restore partial capacity to an expired battery with no expectation of long term success. Knock your self out .
It will cost less to sell the old battery and purchase a new battery than to tinker with the old battery.
Check the charging system for under or over charging. Also look for slow drains on the electrical system.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 23, 2012

NO! Baking soda is a base and will react with the acid which will neutralize the fluid in the battery. Baking soda has been used to clean the acid from the OUTSIDE of the battery not the inside.

DoubleR · Nov 23, 2012

I think I would just bit the bullet and buy a new one. I've known of batterys blowing up, its not worth the risk. I have used baking soda to clean the posts on the outside but never added it to the acid.

Russ from MN · Nov 23, 2012

A lot of good advice already, but are you sure it's the battery? If you unhook it does it still go dead? is the top of it clean? I hate to see you buy a new one if it's only a diode in your alternator!

ohiojim · Nov 23, 2012

never heard of that, but would like to be around when it happens, can't imagine the amount of foam that would occure...LOL

David G · Nov 23, 2012

NO, do not add baking soda.

Try unhooking the cable and see if the battery stays up. It might have an external current leak that is draining the battery.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 23, 2012

I've heard the old timers used epson salt, I have never tried it so you are on your own.

pete black · Nov 23, 2012

save time, money and trouble; replace battery. by the way, baking soda neutralizes acid, does not enhance it.

El Toro · Nov 23, 2012

Remove the ground cable on the battery after charging the battery. Then wait several days and see if the battery will start the engine. If it starts ok you have a drain on your battery as been mentioned. If it won't start the engine
your battery probably needs replacing. Take a hydrometer and check the specific gravity in each cell. Should be in the 1.275 range or better on all the cells. If one cell is low replace the battery. Hal

Anonymous-0 · Nov 23, 2012

My dad put bakeing soda in his battery one time. I was about 7years old at the time, we took turns pulling my toy wagon to town and back with the new battery, 4.5 mi. one way, I still remember that lesson.

Jeff B. · Nov 23, 2012

If the top of the battery is covered in slime & filth, it can cause a conductive path between the terminals, or from the positive to ground. Be sure your battery is clean on the outside.

Geo-TH,In · Nov 23, 2012

If the battery is more than 5-7 years old, get a new one. I like excide batteries from rural king because you can pop the top and check fluid levels. Usually get what I need on sale for $45. It's not worth it getting stranded. I usually get about 5 years out of them. Had one fail in 3 months, they gave me a new one. That was the exception, not the rule.

John B. · Nov 23, 2012

Your symptom sounds like the battery is low on fluid, or it has an internal short.
Always wear safety goggles when working with or around batteries. If you want to keep your eyesight!!!
Never add baking soda to the inside of a battery unless you want to buy a new one.
Baking soda doesn't clean a battery, it neutralizes the acid. It can be put on the outside of the battery but don't leave it on very long. Five minutes is long enough.

Walt Davies · Nov 23, 2012

It has a dead cell, that means it is shorted out from junk in the bottom ofthe battery.
Go get a new one and forget all those old home remedies that just waste your time,
Walt

36 Coupe · Nov 23, 2012

36 Coupe · Nov 23, 2012

Dave Sherburne NY · Nov 23, 2012

Check this out.
Extending Battery Life

Rettchr · Nov 23, 2012

You might add that this foam's liquid is still sulfuric acid-- which is NOT kind to clothing or human body parts! Buy the new battery and then if that discharges, look for a connection that is drawing current when the vehicle is shut off.

Battery

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