Ak3249

I now know of 3 CGT's that their batteries have physically exploded when their owners went to start them. Anybody else heard of this, and know why it happens or how to prevent it from happening?

smokeygt

Park on a hill and drift start it. Seriously though, new one on me. I've seen batteries explode on equipment but never on the CGT. Sounds like they were outgassing hydrogen, being over charged maybe? Not vented?

Ak3249

That's what I thought, but all three cars were on porsche trickle charger and covered but by a porsche car cover. Maybe it happens as they get older, either way mines still on its original battery I think I'll change it this summer. Better safe than sorry.

smokeygt

I use Optima batteries in all my equipment as lead acid batteries cause so many problems; burn holes in clothes, rust out the under tray and sometimes surrounding areas from vaporized acid. I'm sure others can tell of stories of how their car was rusted around the battery as well. In 10 years of using them, I've had only one fail, and I have maybe 20 in service right now. Certainly worth the extra price and peace of mind.
These explosions are known in other makes. Most any car with an enclosed battery and loose connection causes the problem. Remember the Bug with the battery under the rear seat? Blammo!

LexVan

Sounds like old, poorly maintained batteries with improper fluid levels.