I have a Sea Hunter Mark II that has seen little use. I had been removing the battery pack every time I put it away, except, of course, for the last time 
So I opened it up this morning for the first time this year, to find that the battery pack (8 ea Energizer AA alkaline expiry 03-2023) was covered in clear gel-like slime. I am somewhat puzzled as this does not look like the product of leaking alkaline batteries that I have seen in the past in other devices. There is no evidence of corrosion of any of the contacts, nor of the battery terminals themselves. As I stupidly handled the batteries with my bare hands, it dawned on me that the burning sensation I should have been feeling was absent. It felt almost like some silicone-based fluid. And the smell didn't seem to be what I expected either (obviously a subjective judgement). So, I have questions. First, has anyone else seen a discharge from alkaline batteries similar to what I described? There isn't any silicone-based waterproofing "fill" material internal to the Sea Hunter II electronics that might have leaked into the battery compartment, is there? Assuming this fluid is the battery electrolyte, what steps should I take to clean it up before installing new batteries and testing the detector? I already wiped everything down pretty thoroughly with paper towels. Would it be prudent and safe to swab down the inside of the compartment with cotton balls moistened with vinegar? I have some concern about vinegar leaking into the circuitry if I did that. Other advice (beyond be more careful next time)? Thanks.
So I opened it up this morning for the first time this year, to find that the battery pack (8 ea Energizer AA alkaline expiry 03-2023) was covered in clear gel-like slime. I am somewhat puzzled as this does not look like the product of leaking alkaline batteries that I have seen in the past in other devices. There is no evidence of corrosion of any of the contacts, nor of the battery terminals themselves. As I stupidly handled the batteries with my bare hands, it dawned on me that the burning sensation I should have been feeling was absent. It felt almost like some silicone-based fluid. And the smell didn't seem to be what I expected either (obviously a subjective judgement). So, I have questions. First, has anyone else seen a discharge from alkaline batteries similar to what I described? There isn't any silicone-based waterproofing "fill" material internal to the Sea Hunter II electronics that might have leaked into the battery compartment, is there? Assuming this fluid is the battery electrolyte, what steps should I take to clean it up before installing new batteries and testing the detector? I already wiped everything down pretty thoroughly with paper towels. Would it be prudent and safe to swab down the inside of the compartment with cotton balls moistened with vinegar? I have some concern about vinegar leaking into the circuitry if I did that. Other advice (beyond be more careful next time)? Thanks.
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