leaky battery

[Will_4R]

The other day I noticed whitish blue powder around both terminals and around the braket holding the battery down. It has also dripped down the sides of the battery. Should I just clean it off with water/baking soda then oil the terminals (as per owners manual), or replace the battery? It is an '03, which I have had about a year and half. Not sure if it is the original battery or not, but from going through the maintenace history, it would appear this it is the original. No problems starting.

PS: how do I post pictures?

 

[2000t4r4wd]

I would get a new battery. 6 years on the OEM battery is pretty good.

 

[riverider]

The other day I noticed whitish blue powder around both terminals and around the braket holding the battery down. It has also dripped down the sides of the battery. Should I just clean it off with water/baking soda then oil the terminals (as per owners manual), or replace the battery? It is an '03, which I have had about a year and half. Not sure if it is the original battery or not, but from going through the maintenace history, it would appear this it is the original. No problems starting.

PS: how do I post pictures?

Sounds like the post seals are failing, this happens as battery ages. Myself I would be buying a new battery since you don't really know it's true age and winter is now close.

 

[JeremyH]

The best way to clean off battery acid is to pour Coke on the terminals. The battery should have a sticker on it that indicates the date of installation.

 

[Uneek]

You can also use baking soda mixed with water. That will neutralize the battery acid as well. Be careful not to get the baking soda solution into the vent holes.

As for posting pictures, if your pictures are hosted, i.e. Photobucket, you can copy the URL (4th field, "IMG Code") that has the [IMG*]URL[/IMG*] (no asterisks * in the actual code, but I put it there to show the code). Otherwise you can attach your picture file when you post by clicking manage attachments.

 

[MikesToy]

I just use water and dry them off. Then i use a dab of grease and put a thin layer on both posts. I still have my OEM Panasonic battery.

 

[Will_4R]

I cleaned it all up yesterday with water and baking soda. I didn't notice any cracks arond the terminals, but the top on the battery is deformed (somewhat cruashed) under the bracket that holds it down - no cracks though. I am going ot replace the battery this week. I will get the charging system tested to make sure it is working properly first so i don't ruin a new battery.

My current battery is a 850 cca Toyota battery. Should I replace it with the same thing from Toyota, or go with something else like an Optima (34R). The Optima is well reviewed, but only has 800 cca. The 34R has reversed posts - does this matter? I am thinking starting battery over deep cycle. Although I am up in Canada it never really gets below freezing here. That said, I do go into the mountains where it gets really cold, so I don't mind having as many CCA as possible. Right now I am running stock electronics, but thinking about adding a pair of driving lights.

Edit: I couldn't find a date or installation sticker on the battery.

 

[riverider]

Myself I try not going past 4 years on batteries. It's not worth being out in the weather and finding out you have a dead battery.
To me it's worth spending say $90 every four years and knowing I have a new battery.:hatsoff:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I cleaned it all up yesterday with water and baking soda. I didn't notice any cracks arond the terminals, but the top on the battery is deformed (somewhat cruashed) under the bracket that holds it down - no cracks though. I am going ot replace the battery this week. I will get the charging system tested to make sure it is working properly first so i don't ruin a new battery.

My current battery is a 850 cca Toyota battery. Should I replace it with the same thing from Toyota, or go with something else like an Optima (34R). The Optima is well reviewed, but only has 800 cca. The 34R has reversed posts - does this matter? I am thinking starting battery over deep cycle. Although I am up in Canada it never really gets below freezing here. That said, I do go into the mountains where it gets really cold, so I don't mind having as many CCA as possible. Right now I am running stock electronics, but thinking about adding a pair of driving lights.

Edit: I couldn't find a date or installation sticker on the battery.

I replaced mine with a optima 34r. You have to use the 34r if you want a direct replacement. The R stands for reversed terminals. If you do not use a R the + and - will be on the wrong side and you will have to modify the cables. Also with the Optima you will never get a acid leak.