Battery Question

elk_hunter · November 27, 2004

Hey all,

I'm going to replace my battery in my truck tomorrow. And was removing it so I can turn it in when I pick up the new one.

The old one is the ac delco orginial, question is did you re-install that foam around your new batter? or just leave it off?

Thanks

budhayes3 · November 27, 2004

I re-installed mine, figured it couldn't hurt and only took a few seconds to do.

Chris Hays · November 27, 2004

I would recommend only reinstalling this foam if you live in a cold climate as it keeps the electrolyte from freezing or becoming a high consistency in cold weather. If the area you live in is hot then it will make the battery sweat and this shortens the life of the battery.

bigdogs · November 27, 2004

When the dealer replaced my passenger side battery under warranty they did not replace the foam, eventho I live in a cold climate.

budhayes3 · November 27, 2004

When the dealer replaced my passenger side battery under warranty they did not replace the foam, eventho I live in a cold climate.

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I used to be a Toyota tech for many years, and some of our vehicles had plastic battery covers, such as the Supra. Most of the techs didn't re-install them, basically out of laziness. If the replacement battery is oversized, that's one thing, but if it fits, there's really no reason not to re-install it. On our trucks it's just foam rubber, so it's not that big of a deal either way. I just figured that the factory engineers found a reason to put it there, so I reused mine. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it though.

mcreyaufmiller · November 28, 2004

I replaced mine in my truck as well. They way it was explained to me is that the foam is there to protect the battery if it comes loose. It will not allow the battery to be punctured.

Besides, it the factory put it there, it is there for a reason.

Mike

Stocklook · November 28, 2004

I replaced mine in my truck as well. They way it was explained to me is that the foam is there to protect the battery if it comes loose. It will not allow the battery to be punctured.

Besides, it the factory put it there, it is there for a reason.

Mike

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IMO - If that battery comes loose, I think your going to have more to worry about than the battery. and ya that foam will protect that batteryfrom contact with the fan

bigdogs · November 28, 2004

IMO - If that battery comes loose, I think your going to have more to worry about than the battery. and ya that foam will protect that batteryfrom contact with the fan

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Been down that road before when I took my Blazer airborne. The battery came loose and slammed into the headers and exploded... It was not a pretty site and had to be towed home...

budhayes3 · November 28, 2004

IMO - If that battery comes loose, I think your going to have more to worry about than the battery. and ya that foam will protect that batteryfrom contact with the fan

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Been down that road before when I took my Blazer airborne. The battery came loose and slammed into the headers and exploded... It was not a pretty site and had to be towed home...

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Ouch! That battery acid must have reaked havoc under there! I can only imagine what the clean up and repair must have been like!

asepgrad98 · November 29, 2004

the foam helps protect the battery from heat of the engine, heat will shorten the battery life.

97whitez71 · November 29, 2004

I was also told that the foam will catch any leakage from the battery and keep it from getting to the battery tray.

raiste · November 30, 2004

I think GM put it there to see how many different reasons people could come up with to explain why the foam was there.

budhayes3 · November 30, 2004

Good one

GM-Tech · December 1, 2004

I hope there's no problem here with me posting a GM bulletin (copyright issues?).

Here's the definitive answer on what the insulator is for...

Battery Insulator Replacement #99-06-03-002 - (Mar 4, 1999)

1999 and Prior Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

It has been found that the battery thermal insulator (1), installed on many new General Motors vehicles, is not always being placed back on the vehicle's battery (2) when the battery is removed or replaced. The installation of the insulator is essential for battery life.

When a battery insulator is specified for use on a particular vehicle, the underhood temperatures for that vehicle are high enough to be critical to battery life. Omitting the thermal insulator when installing the battery will considerably reduce the life of the battery by exposing it to higher underhood temperatures. Inspect the insulator for any damage. If the insulator is damaged or missing, replace as required.

Refer to GMSPO Parts Group #02.333 for the correct insulator.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

asilverblazer · December 1, 2004

I hope there's no problem here with me posting a GM bulletin (copyright issues?).

...BLAH BLAH BLAH...

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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