Overheating battery...

[Stanley Rockefeller]

Does anyone know the cause of an overheating battery?

My e30 has developed this condition, and has been spewing the battery fluid out of the gas tube.

I was thinking it could be the voltage regulator, but b4 I spend money uselessly, I want to know what other possibilities it could be.

The car also doesn't have any problems starting or providing power for the elec accessories.

Thanks in advence

[jlevie]

There are two causes of an overheating battery. One being a short (internal to the battery or external) and the other being excessive charging. Since the car will start and run, the first isn't the case and you need to replace at least the voltage regulator. If the alternator bearings are worn, it would be a better idea to replace the alternator rather than just the regulator.