Paul L

I did this thread last winter and it provoked some interesting responses. So here it is again for some new views perhaps. Years ago when I stored my Corvette at home I would take the battery out and leave it in the basement on the concrete floor. Trickle charge once each month. Each spring the battery would be dead: not useable. This happened three times; each time the battery was replaced under warranty. That's fine, but it was annoying.

I checked with my mechanical guru: my Father-in-Law who has worked a farm for 60+ years and starts those tractors at -20F. He said, never put a battery on concrete. Tried it, done it, will never do again. And he was speaking of the 1940s. The next year when I stored at home in the basement I put the battery on 3/4" plywood. No problem in the spring.

Urban (or rural) legend?

Robert N

Former battey salesman (Interstate) -MYTH:

A hundred years ago when battery cases were made of porous materials such as tar-lined wood boxes, so storing batteries on concrete floor would accelerate their discharge. Modern battery cases are made of polypropylene or hard rubber. These cases seal better, so external leakage-causing discharge is no longer a problem, provided the top of the battery is clean. Temperature stratification within very large batteries could accelerate their internal “leakage” or self-discharge if the battery is sitting on an exteremely cold floor in a warm room or is installed in a submarine.

82dukman

I was just going to say the cold floor accelerates the discharge.

Rick68

I had the same experience I ended up replacing my battery 3 years in a row. Luckily under warranty. This year I will keep it on a piece of carpet. Maybe I'll toss a piece of wood under it too. I've also heard others say they had the same problem so I'm thinking there must be something to it :seeya


[Modified by 73Stingraycoupe, 8:19 PM 11/1/2002]

LAvetteman

Paul, I remember your post from last year, matter of fact I will try to dig it up. I had commented I experienced the same thing. My Dad always told me, don't leave a good battery on a concrete floor, in most cases it will never take a charge again. I have experienced it myself, so has he, as well as other members here. Yet people will still tell you " Oh thats just a myth". Go figure. :rolleyes:


[Modified by 71,454,4spd, 9:55 PM 11/1/2002]

LAvetteman

Here it is Paul. It was a year ago on the 21st.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=187351

I bet it has something to do with your location, beings some people swear and be dern that a battery doesn't crap out on concrete, around here, I could bank on it......




[Modified by 71,454,4spd, 10:04 PM 11/1/2002]

ksbunting

I have had the same experience withthe battery on concrete, even in a warm basement.
I have had a similar experience with my tires: sitting on concrete the tires loose air, put cardborad or plywood under them and they don't loose a pound. I can't explain it but it happened several years in a row.

Paul L

I guess it really is a legend...I do not know if it is true or not. Just know it happened to me!

DJ Dep

Paul: Had it happen to me after doing pretty much the same procedures you did. If it's a myth, it must be a myth based on fact or experience.

Dep

NorthVette

Add another that lost a few batteries to this "myth"... :yesnod:

I won't even set one on the ground any more! :lol:

BSeery

Never had any problems down here in the SW.

NHvette

Yep - lost a few to the garage floor. Usually less than 1 yr old - so prorated warranty is good.
:seeya

A C

I have had batteries fail after sitting on the concrete in the garage as well. I am thinking back though, and it was always in the winter. Minnesota winter. I am thinking maybe the electrolyte froze and damaged the battery?

AC

Schmucker

I say keep doing it.... lifetime supply of batteries!

vett70

Happened to me, too. Left it on the floor of the garage. My mechanic said it might have froze and he never stores 'em on the concrete. I still put mine in the garage but now I lay down two 2x4's and stradle the battery across them so air circulates. It still loses power but the difference is it will hold a charge once again in the spring. The best results I have, though, is when I leave it in the car and drive it once a month thru the winter!!

Jon69L46

Nothing to add, just felt obligated to say something for some reason, as I see I was part of that post a year ago. My how time flies.
jon

Sting Raycin

My dad and I were talking about this the other day. He has always told me to put a block of wood under them, so I have, because he really knows his stuff! :D

Paul L

Thanks Jon. Yes time does fly quickly and the legend remains!

blue72lt4sc

guys its not a myth....i build electric prototype vehicle drive systems and you never put really any kind of battery for long periods of time on a concrete floor....the reason is simple....concrete has rebar in it..which acts as a ground and with its negative charge being greatter than that of the batteries negative side it draws the positive charge out.....the battery then is dead.....thats the simplest way i can put it....not a myth


[Modified by blue72lt4sc, 6:39 PM 11/3/2002]


[Modified by blue72lt4sc, 6:39 PM 11/3/2002]

Paul L

Interesting! I never thought of that.