Battery, 1989 Lincoln towncar, 65,000 original milws

KENNYUSA

MEMBER
1989 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

My battery ran down. I put a new battery in and it also ran down so I put a new alternator (OEM) in and the trouble stopped. Cranks strong and everything works fine. The problem is that when I popped the hood and looked at the battery when I got home from an hour drive, acid was comning out of the vent cap on top. Something is definately wrong for this to happen. Help please!
Thanks

7 Replies

MIKEYBDMAN

MECHANIC
623 POSTS

Sounds like your new altenator is overcharging the battery. I would have the output voltage of the altenator checked. You new altenator should come with a warrenty, so it shouldnt be too bad on the wallet.

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Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 AT 8:45 PM

KENNYUSA

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Guess I'll have to take it in to have it checked out tomorrow at the dealer. Thanks

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Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 AT 8:52 PM

KENNYUSA

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Sunday, July 23rd, 2006 AT 10:33 PM

MIKEYBDMAN

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Monday, July 24th, 2006 AT 2:51 PM

KENNYUSA

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Update.
I just measured the voltage of the battery with key off and it is 12.7. Then with engine running 14.5.

Then I tested 3 of my other vehicles and I got real close results.

Any other suggestions?[/Quote:0bee7596f8]

14.5 does not sound that high from an altenator. Does it increase with RPM's?
I would suspect it may increase voltage while you are running faster than idle. I would check that. Another option is they could have overserviced the battery, however that is very unlikely.
When the battery is being overcharged, usually there is a very stong sour egg smell. If your tests results show the altenator is not over charging, then you may have a bad battery. Either way, the warrenty's on both should easy the pocket book.
Good luck.[/Quote:0bee7596f8]

Thanks,
called the battery manufacturer and they said it was probably a little over full and that it ran out and leveled off and I opened the caps on top and it was at a normal level now and it didnt overflow after I drove for 2 hrs today. And also the alternator keeps the same voltage at higher rpms. Thats what the voltage regulator is for right?So I'm guessing its not the alternator nor a bad battery since it hasn't overflowed again :)