Battery Explosion

[Kameroo]

OK, found out why checking the water levels frequently is a good idea... Went to start the starboard engine on my Silverton yesterday, and after half a second of cranking it sounded like a shotgun went off. At first I thought it was a backfire or something, but knew it was something else because the stbd. electrical system was also dead. I'm sure our Sea Rays would never do this, but just in case, I'll attach a picture.

The stbd. battery blew it's top under the load, and blew open the battery cover (strap was loose). The electrolyte wasn't too hard to clean up, and I got underway after removing the offending battery and robbing the generator battery.

It had been probably too long since I checked the levels, and ironically, the batteries were on my short list to service this weekend and replace in the spring. The batteries are lead/acid with a converter hooked up full time. In case you ever wondered what those battery boxes are for, a picture says a thousand words.

 

[boatmailster]

I would "sprinkle" baking soda in bilge to neutralize all leftover acid.
Wurth makes a cleaner which changes color when battery acid is present.

 

[douglee25]

Wow, that's crazy! I've never seen that happen before.

Doug

 

[mawyatt]

This happened in our minivan about 10 years ago. It's due to trapped hydrogen from charging. As mentioned it's a good idea to wash things down as the battery acid (dilute sulfuric) is highly caustic.

Mike

 

[Mike-n-Jolie]

Yup. Batteries can and do explode. They don't give any warning either. Folks,ALWAYS wear safety glasses when handling a battery. Had one do that to me years ago. Luckily,my back was turned-just got a small scalp laceration from a piece of the case.

 

[Stray Cat]

Yup, bet it smelled like rotten eggs before it released all that energy...a dry battery left on a charger stinks like a cracked rotten egg. Thanks for posting your experience....Did you check the water levels in your other batteries?

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

You might as well throw those towels away... they'll be threads after you wash them...

 

[Kameroo]

Yep, threw the towels away and bought 3 new batteries. Even mounted two new battery boxes.

 

[fc3]

Batteries don't explode without warning and for no good reason. Once the electrolyte boils away and leaves the plates exposed, the paste on the plates dries and crumbles. Particles can then bridge the plates and get red hot. It is also possible for a spark to jump between plates as they deteriorate. Failure to maintain wet cell batteries can be dangerous.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[Southpaw II]

This happened to a buddy of mine a few years ago on a 1999 330DA. He hosed his bilge for 2 hours trying to insure that all of the acid was out. Still had lots of corrosion and permanent stains.

 

[Kameroo]

...I should add that this was the first used boat I bought where I didn't replace the batteries right away. Wishing I had, as it would have given me a known starting point.

 

[Nehalennia]

....good lesson. When I bought our boat nearly one year ago the PO had just replaced the Batteries. Now when these are done, I'll be replacing them with AGMs. After reading how nice and reliable the AGMs are, I'm sold. Now to decide Blue or Yellow I guess?