I had this happen on a '79 Ford wagon at work one time. It was winter, and
bitter cold. (-10F)
I was just driving down the road. Blew the top and the side completely off
the battery. (It was an Interstate battery, btw). It was such a loud noise,
and I didn't know at first what it was, then got the unmistakable smell of
acid. The fumes almost did me in before I could get stopped.
Found out later that the alternator had failed in a manner that produced a
severe over voltage. I think what was left of the battery was the only thing
that kept from blowing up the ignition system and everything else electronic
in the car.
I just went back to a Chevy wagon the next year, even though it cost more.
Hasn't happened since.
{snip}
> My daughter had this happen. Everything was normal unit she went out one
> morning. The instant she hit the starter the battery blew the entire top
> off and blew out one end. Acid all over the engine compartment.
>
> Inspection showed the internal lead to that end cell had deteriorated.
> Consensus was the starter load had made enough heat or spark at this poor
> internal connection to set off some hydrogen remaining inside the battery
> from the previous days driving.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Don Miller
>
>
bitter cold. (-10F)
I was just driving down the road. Blew the top and the side completely off
the battery. (It was an Interstate battery, btw). It was such a loud noise,
and I didn't know at first what it was, then got the unmistakable smell of
acid. The fumes almost did me in before I could get stopped.
Found out later that the alternator had failed in a manner that produced a
severe over voltage. I think what was left of the battery was the only thing
that kept from blowing up the ignition system and everything else electronic
in the car.
I just went back to a Chevy wagon the next year, even though it cost more.
Hasn't happened since.
{snip}
> My daughter had this happen. Everything was normal unit she went out one
> morning. The instant she hit the starter the battery blew the entire top
> off and blew out one end. Acid all over the engine compartment.
>
> Inspection showed the internal lead to that end cell had deteriorated.
> Consensus was the starter load had made enough heat or spark at this poor
> internal connection to set off some hydrogen remaining inside the battery
> from the previous days driving.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Don Miller
>
>
