Bubbling battery in my CS

[HappyHour]

So after driving around my CS (been in the garage for month) I went to start it and it turned over without catching (usually it just catches on first turn). I tried again and it clicked (kinda like starter issue). After that it successively did less until on 4th attempt it was dead. No interior lights or anything.

I popped the hood and heard this bubbling sound from inside the battery (!!)...I checked the terminal and practically burned by finger. Any case not wanting it to explode I let it sit and will check the water level in the morning and possible pull battery and get it checked. I checked later in the eve and the interior lights were back on so current is back.

Just wanted to drop a note and see if anyone might know what happened? Not sure of battery water level and the contacts look solid down to the selonoid etc. Not sure if battery is toast...

Robert

 

[rvrtrash]

I't sounds like you have a bad starter, or your starter cable might be shorting out somewhere. Check the cable for worn insulation where it might be touching the block or manifold and make sure the ends are tight. If that's good, I'd bet your starter motor is shot.

Steve

 

[franklinair]

How old is the battery?

Neil

 

[robert campbell]

I have seen some starter solenoids break down and short through the case to ground. Try taking the two screws out that holds the solenoid to the inner fender panel and see if it will suspend in air or stick a couple thick pieces up cardboard between it and the inner panel. Give it a try with the hood open. If it seems to start ok, then replace the solenoid. Don’t drive it this way to get the solenoid!!!

Rob

 

[HappyHour]

Thanks for the feedback guys...since the battery itself seems like it was bubbling from the inside and the positive terminal was hot I was hoping it wasnt anything else. Originally it cranked at first then successively lost cranking and then juice for lights.

This morning I pulled the battery and the noticed the postivie terminal had a crack in it. The battery was old judging by the stamping 2001 from Apple Valley Battery Mart (talk about nich market) which would be where the car came from. Fresh battery and new positive cable and it started without issues. Swapping the core at Pep Boys the guy said that the cells probably collapsed internally. (??)

That being said should I check anything else to make sure nothing else got fried (Ill take a look at the starter cable as well). I mean I got a nice blister on my finger where I "tested" the terminal last night. :embarass:

Robert

Followup:
Starter cable looks okay except little chaffing before the starter. Im not liking the positioning as it is inches from the headers. Probably good idea to swap that out and ensure clearance.

 

[rvrtrash]

I have seen some starter solenoids break down and short through the case to ground. Try taking the two screws out that holds the solenoid to the inner fender panel and see if it will suspend in air or stick a couple thick pieces up cardboard between it and the inner panel. Give it a try with the hood open. If it seems to start ok, then replace the solenoid. Don’t drive it this way to get the solenoid!!!

Rob

I'm not sure how the solenoid would work if it's not hooked to the inner fender since the ground for the internal coil is through the solenoid case to the metal body. HappyHour, I'd still recommend pulling the starter and having it checked. It's not that hard to pull it and I've seen a lot of bad starters do exactly what you described. Good luck.

Steve

 

[HappyHour]

Yeah the issue now is more consistent it just gives the echoing ring when you try to start. Is there a way to I didnt short the solenoid versus the starter from the battery issue?

Next step pulling starter...and take it to a shop repair shop to get it checked.

Thanks..

Robert

 

[rvrtrash]

Is there a way to I didnt short the solenoid versus the starter from the battery issue?

Robert

The solenoid is basically just a coil with a set of high amperage contacts, and the contacts will pit and oxidize over time, but the problem is usually the starter. The solenoid is relatively cheap, so I usually recommend you change it when you change a starter, just for insurance.

Steve