Holes in the battery..?

[Rudman]

Hi - I have a 94 MTX with about 150K. Recently, the water pump belt tensioner is contacting the battery, burning a hole through the cell, and dumping acid all over the front of my 3.0. I have checked the Front mount, which was replaced with SHO Shop reinforced mount about a year ago. I also checked the rear and transaxle mounts - I dont see anything obvious. The battery tray is intact and mounted, and I have had this battery for about 6 years with no problems. If the engine is not moving - maybe a problem with the subframe? Anybody come across this problem - any idea(s) would be appreciated.

 

[Ishodu]

Very well could be your sub frame bushings, Make sure to check them asap and naturalize that acid with baking soda or something to keep it from eating things away.

 

[SHOZ123]

Be sure to rinse the area with some ammonia solution to neutralize all the acid.

 

[Rudman]

What is the inspection criteria for the subframe bushings - what do you look for? I did have Ford handle the recall on the bushings years ago... Thanks.

 

[Ishodu]

One quick test is to pop your hood lift it all the way up then get in the car start is and turn the wheel side to side and watch under the edge of the hood to see if the motor is shifting. A visual inspection will sometimes also do it.

 

[93rev2sev]

Another back from the dead.

Lift car with jack under rear of subframe - at the mounting bolt.
Place jackstand behind subframe on unibody framerail.
Slowly lower the jack.
As the jackSTAND starts to take the weight, the engine and tranny weight will try to move the subframe - look for movement at the bushing.

 

[Howdy_Doody]

I think you are the victim of a catalog error on the 1994-94 SHO with manual transmission. Every belt manufacturer is cataloging the wrong belt for this application. The belt they catalog can be installed (barely) but the tensioner can easily rub the battery, with the resulting mess you have. With the right size belt that pulley is nowhere near the battery. Here's a link to a good discussion of this problem...

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=35104

 

[mrecoolgar]

Good call Howdy Doody.
What an odd thing.
Hope it resolves Rudmans problem.