In a message dated 7/9/99 6:22:13 PM Pacific Daylight Time, parkerw@juno.com
writes:
> Here's an interesting story about an MGA who's battery exploded,
> no one knows why, and now it won't start.
Here is why it exploded.
When a battery is charged some of the water in the electrolyte is converted
to Hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The older a battery is the more it tends to
gas when being charged. As I'm sure you are aware hydrogen burns (explodes)
If there is a loose cell connector inside the battery a spark can be created
and the battery goes boom.
Needless to say the battery is a dead player.
I know of know simple way to test the starter and or generator without a
battery and since you have to buy one anyway..... When you do get the new
battery in the car and the engine running check the charging voltage at the
battery it should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts, with the engine at about
2000 and all electrical loads (lights, etc.) off. If the voltage is above
14.5 the battery is over charging and will gas more and can go boom more.
This is also why safety glasses are recommended when working on batteries.
Hope this helps,
Rick Ewald
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