Alon

So just before I bought my car from its previous owner, the battery was swapped out for a new Interstate battery. After a few track days this summer, I noticed a "funny" odor emminating from the front of the car while driving and when I opended the front trunk (hood for other cars), the smell was strong. The intensity of this smell has increased over the past few weeks and I think that I may have just figured it out. It seems that the person who swapped the battery never bothered connecting the breather/vent hose to the vent on the battery (probably because the Interstate vent is a larger oval rather than a small round vent) and the battery has been leaking a bit onto my spare tire and trunk floor area (along with the battery mount and bolt). Needless to say, the battery mount and its bolt have developed that not-so-nice white corrosion from the acid so I replaced them. I suspect that the spare tire (being a folded tire and the acid dripped right into the fold) has suffered some damage from this acid and is emmitting this odor (I hope that's all it is???). Does anyone recommend anything that I can use to get rid of this smell (other than water and soap)? I might just inflate the tire to get better access to the area affected by this and clean it further. Any other recommendations that would help avoid unforseen damage in the future would be greatly appreciated.

Why is it so hard for some people to do something right in the first place?

Sorry for the bitching but this pissed me off.

97Targa

A baking soda (arm & hammer) and water solution will neutralize the battery acid. I'd apply it ASAP.
When I replaced my battery I installed a battery mat under it. It's supposed to absorb and neutralize the acid.

Alon

Of course (duh!), baking soda. What was I thinking?

Thank you.

97Targa

Glad to help!

Alon

Best quote:

"As the slippery slope approaches I have one hand on my wallet and one foot on a banana peel"

Hilarious, I love it.

Tom Pepper

The in-trunk location of the battery makes the vent essential. Even Robin had an explosion in his car due to gas from the battery. The safer choice is the Optima red top dry battery. Fits perfectly and NO gas is generated. Lots of info in the archieves.
Tom

Jastx

For $99.95 at Costco, an Optima 75-35 is cheap insurance against screwing up your expensive 993 with battery acid. It is a direct bolt in replacement.

I just bought an Optima for my 930. Not as direct a bolt-in but still simple and I'll rest easy.

97Targa

So no special bracket/adaptor is required for the 993? Nice.
And the red top will match my spare wheel.

Alon

Optima it is (to be safe even though I have attached the breather/vent hose now). It just makes good sense and Costco has them? Even better.

Thanks again guys.

ZombiePorsche44

I third the Optima upgrade, heck you can even mount it upside down and it wouldn't leak on you car, but it would look stupid.........

Alon

Perhaps mounting it on its side would lower the overall centre of gravity?

Jastx

Right you are! Here is in my ex-993. As I mentioned earlier, it bolted in just like the Interstate it replaced. I only drove my car on nice days so while it sat I also used the Porsche battery maintainer that plugged into the cigarette lighter. It was great! Unfortunately, the lighter in my 930 gets cut off when the ignition is off, so I need to find a non-invasive way to change that or will have to connect to the battery through a less convenient method.

FisterD

Geeze, John, did you clean that trunk with a toothbrush! Very nice.

Jastx

Yes! Thank you!

amfp

I use a battery mat that absorbs acid fumes and protects the paint. Make sure battery is vented properly and inspect monthly. Next battery may get Optima.