Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): battery cap blowing off, john deere lx, battery cells

Question
I have a 1994 John Deere LX 172 with a 14 HP Kawasaki. The last 2 times I have used it, there was a loud bang and the battery cap was blown off. This time it cracked the top of the battery. The battery was replaced last summer with a new John Deere strong box. Is there a wire that is shorting out or a bad battery? Both times I was going down a steep hill for about 3 feet at the most(edge of road to lawn).

Answer
Hello Rob:

Usually what you Described Occurs when there is; 1- a Short in the Plates of a Cell and the Liquid/Acid is Low. The Cell will get a Spark and the Gasses Inside the Battery Cell will Explode. 2- If the Battery Posts are Connected Together (Touching the Frame or Body) and the Connection is Firm Enough and Long Enough; then you will have the Same Result. The Battery Cells Heat Up Unitl One of the Cells Explodes. Since it Happens Only when Going Down Hill. I Suggest you Look for Anything that May be Grounding the 2 Battery Posts when the Mower is Facing Down Hill. If you cannot Locate Anthing, then it May have been a Bad battery. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John