Hey all,
My 69 van has the battery behind the drivers seat. I have recently noticed a strong (like takes my breath away!) acid smell in the car some times, I expect it may be the battery, but on inspection there are no leak marks, or acid build up on the terminals.
Alternator seems to charge up fine (cranks over fast every time) some times I only start it once a week and the battery is stilll ok.

Any ideas? I guess I should get the battery tested and charging volts/amps checked.

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Cool stuff!!

This usually only happens when the alternator is overcharging (volts too high). Get it checked before you start blowing bulbs etc.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

And If you are going to disconnect the battery (possibility of sparks ) make sure you leave the doors open for a while to allow the gasses ( hydrogen ) to escape

you might notice the battery is bulging at the sides as well - the gas coming out of the battery is HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE

testing is easy, attach a multimeter from the fuse box to any earth point with the engine running - probably putting out around 17 volts

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Thanks for the advice guys, I have always been a bit wary of car batteries, a friend lost an eye while disconnecting the charger (and he was the local servo mechanic!).
So doors open, wait for the smell to go before disconnecting, then testing the current, I have 'felt' the battery and it does not seem to heat up (like small rechargables that I use) when it is charging.

Cheerio,

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Cool stuff!!

Is this because of a faulty voltage regulator? (I'm just learning)

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

yep - I had one go a few years ago - smells of sulphur

molly, I'd go to an auto elec if I was you.... actually, I was you, and I did go to an auto elec. Local guy who did his apprenticeship on Lucas stuff

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Well I took the alternator to a local auto electrician, quick 24 hour turn around, and yes the regulator was shot, otherwise in good nick (it is only 4 years old or so), regulator just gave up.
But then, he charged me $220.00 for the work, $75.00 for parts and the rest for his labour, checked it all out stripped and cleaned while he was there.
So I ask myself, what is the cost of a change over unit (actually I don't want to know now!), I guess at least I gave a local some work, and reused (as opposed to dump and buy new one) rather than create more land fill!

Just feel a bit ripped off right now, but I'm sure I'll feel better when it's back in the car and no smelly hot battery!

Cheers for your advice!

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Cool stuff!!

Molly,
Bad choice having it repaired.
The local guy we use had new, Lucus ones. A couple of years ago, one cost $165. Still going strong in the wifes car. It is a 16 or 18ACR. Bolts strainght on with internal regulator.

i had this issue aswell but it took me agaes to realise because i alwasys played music which countered it all fixed now

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Enjoy Chris

I bought a full overhaul kit from a UK eBay trader for $33 shipped. Had regulator, slip rings, brushes, diodes, plastic end cover, and instructions.

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

loud music counter acts the acid smell, amazing scientific experiment. Must have been playing ACID ROCK....

I just had to sorry.

Convertible Mini (Tony) sells alternators for minis at a very reasonable price.

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I've got one on my shopping list - $165 for 65 amp output

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

me too! I would love one, I have only heard great things about them and he & his wife are lovely people too

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