hot battery?
 

My battery (an optima red top) is getting really hot after a 20 minute or more drive, and leaking the fluid out of the top (the place where the foam is). I know this is really bad, but can't figure out why it's happening. I put hte optima in because the last battery (Carquest brand) was leaking fluid out of it's caps as well. Anyone had this happen? new voltage regulator, and the charging system and everything seems to be workign well. Maybe overcharging it?

PS: How tough is it to replace all the underhood wiring (w/ the wiring harnesses, for example, from chevy duty or Year One)? The electrical in this is giving me a migraine!!!! :banghead:

Sounds like it's overcharging the battery. Do you still have the external regulator setup? I'd buy an electronic voltage regulator to replace the old point style ones. You can get 'em from JCWhitney for 10 bucks.

Sounds like a regulator problem. Quick test...run the truck and put a volt meter on the batt post. If it reads over 14v its probably overcharging 15-17v. Most shops have a AVR machine then you will no for sure. If you have a problem with the Reg. or Alt. now would be the time to think about getting rid of the external Reg. and thinking about a 1 wire internal regulator high amp alternator. I put a Powermaster in my 69 and never looked back :metal:

Yep. Was the voltage regulator. Freakin' thing was brand new. WHen I upgrade my wiring I think I'm gonna' go to the alt w/ the internal VR. Now, if I could just figure out WTF my alpine keeps blowing every fuse I put in it....

:whine:

Reconsider Robert's suggestion below. AFAIK, external electronic VRs are superior to external mechanical VRs. At least, in our trucks.
I also recommend you read MadElectrical.com's rationale on three wire alternators' advantages over one wire alts. Goes against conventional wisdom, but Mad has great Electrical Tech. But don't trust me. I'm no electronics expert. Examine Mad's claims to see if they're well supported. Maybe ask them about electronic VRs. (Doh! I need to do that!) :gi:

the alternator overcharging like it was probably cooked the amp inside.take the cover off of the amp and look for any burnt spots on the board