Battery Box Cleanup

[Douglas]

Can someone please comment on proper procedure and materials for cleaning the battery box?

I am about to do this on another car (non-SL) and I've seen it done before but have never done this myself, at least not thoroughly. I recall my mechanic spraying a neutralizing agent throughout the area that foamed up. He then used a pressure washer to rinse away all the foam and grime.

What was that cleaner? Is it essentially a baking soda solution?

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Naj ✝︎]

Baking soda is good, but even warm water will wash away the deposits from the battery. Oily grime needs an engine bay cleaner. Do y'all get 'GUNK' over there. Quite strong, may take loose paint off too.

Thoroughly clean and dry battery tray and paint affected area. Use zinc based paint if available.
Could top coat with black or engine bay color...

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[mdsalemi]

Yes baking soda or any high-ph solution will neutralize the lo-pH acid.  Note that all soaps and detergents are hi-pH by definition so the baking soda neutralizes but doesn't clean; detergent will do both.

As a preventive measure all auto parts stores sell a hi-pH impregnated battery mat which sits below the battery, will help to neutralize the acid that inevitably comes from the battery.  Similarly, you can also get impregnated circles of felt that go around the posts to prevent same.

Of course, once all is said and done, you can get a sealed or gel battery and be done with acid forever!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[rwmastel]

I think I know the answer, but does the battery come out without removing the hood?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[mdsalemi]

Yes it does--however I was not able to remove mine w/o removing the oil cooler line.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[rwmastel]

Ah, no oil cooler line for me so it should work.  Thanks!

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[J. Huber]

My battery comes out no problem ... word of caution though, get a good grip because I'd hate to hear about a fender bender this way. They are heavy-ish at that awkward stance.

James
63 230SL

[Bob G ✝︎]

The battery box and top are still availible from Mercedes-Benz I purchased them last year as spars. because this area gets corrision it is a good idea to throughly clean with baking soda and water and an all purpose cleeaner to neutralize any acid residue. I beleive the box for the battery should come out I think it is held in with a couple of sheet metal screws.
I would recommend sanding it and re painting it with one of Eastwood's battery fame paint (Black) I then cut a battery mat to catch any residue and set that down before the battery is set back in place and tighten down.
A work of causion the uper oil hose is very easy to remove ,but easy also to strip the threads you will need plummers tape to seal the threads when reinstalling other wise it will leak oil.I preferr to not remove this hose and
bar and grin with a good battery strap holder and my two hands.
clean the terminals with a battery brush and install the two felt pads on the post then tighten down the battery cable ends.
If you are looking for the ultimate show quality set you battery box out to some one who will clean it up prefessioally and have it power coated.

Bob Geco
1992 300-E Sportline
1968 280SL

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:word of caution though, get a good grip because I'd hate to hear about a fender bender this way. They are heavy-ish at that awkward stance.

And watch that radiator when putting it back. Its not as far as it seems   :oops:

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL