Battery Acid Blues

[MonsterJax]

I looked at some of the battery threads, but I can't find a specific answer for this one.
My '99 750 had some frame discoloration on the left side from battery leakage when I got it in November. The battery appeared to be fairly new and looked good, so I figured it had been replaced.
I've been thinking about it because I'm using touch-up paint to make the frame tubes look a little better, so tonight I lifted the tank to check the electrolyte level. There were several drops of liquid on top of the battery, just small droplets but I don't want any liquid coming out of this battery at all!
The breather tube appears to be attached properly.
The battery is a "Batteries Plus" Xtreme, as I said it looks pretty new. I couldn't see a date on it so I'm going to look at it in daylight tomorrow.
Could the battery have been overfilled? What could cause drops of liquid on top of it? It doesn't have any particular smell, like gas or oil.
I've had no issues with starting, my basic aim was to check the electrolyte level and top it up. I did not see any level marks on this battery as shown in my owners manual, but will look more closely tomorrow.
I dread more acid damage on my new toy, could use a little expert advice.

[Speeddog]

Dry off the battery with a paper towel, and see if it comes back after a day or several days.

Check the voltage at the battery when the engine is running at 3000 rpm or thereabouts, should be 13.5-14V.
*Occasionally* the regulators fail in a way that they overcharge, the running voltage will be high.

The level marks may be on the side of the battery that's not visible when installed...

[junior varsity]

start saving for a sealed battery asap.


when my battery decided to spew acid mid-ride, i ended up losing a nice pair of riding pants, and lots of paint off the generator cover and frame..

[MonsterJax]

Thanks for the input, I am definitely going for a sealed battery when I need one.  No moisture at all on the battery today, rode the bike some, came back and checked it again, still no moisture.  Checked the breather tube all the way down, it seems to be fine.
Good tip on the voltage check, thanks very much.
Now my cage has decided to leak coolant, one problem I will never have with the Monster!  So panic mode shifts to the car for now.

[junior varsity]

keep a keen eye on the vent tube. if it gets brittle, it may develop holes and deposit acid where it should be. Additionally, it can also become loose and fall off when the battery is trying to vent gases. So. Keep your eyes peeled. Replace when it becomes bad.

[Howie]

DO check the charging voltage. 

[Jarvicious]

Had to be done.  One of my favs.  I'm actually of no help here

queens of the stone age - battery acid

[abby normal]

i got paranoid in 2004 with all the 'GS' battery leak rumors.  i purchased a
chemical spill mat and cut a rectangle big enough to fit tightly in the bottom
of the battery box. 

battery never leaked that i know of, but it does provide some reassurance. 

[Speeddog]

i got paranoid in 2004 with all the 'GS' battery leak rumors debacle.  i purchased a
chemical spill mat and cut a rectangle big enough to fit tightly in the bottom
of the battery box. 

battery never leaked that i know of, but it does provide some reassurance. 

Fixed it for ya! 

[krista]

Yeah. Those weren't rumors. That really sucked for a lot of people. Especially the dealers stuck in the middle.