Question about batteries

[Hummingbird]

Yesterday I decided to run a dedicated ground up to the fairing and when I started taking the bolt out of the ground lug I found that it was corroded to the point that the nut was 'locked' in place. I had to pry it out and found the cavity was nearly full of that white corrosion 'stuff'.

 

The really perplexing thing is that I installed that battery new less than a month ago. I cleaned, scraped and used a small file to clean all of the corrosion off the lug as well as the nut and reinstalled with everything coated with white lithium grease.

 

The Question ?? Why would it corrode that quickly ??

[Flyinfool]

First guess would be a small acid leak or some acid was spilled on the terminal during filling.

 

Check the fluid level in that cell to see if it is low indicating a leak.

 

CAREFULLY clean the terminal with baking soda and water being VERY careful to not get any baking soda solution into the battery. The baking soda will also neutralize the battery if it gets inside. The baking soda will neutralize any acid residue that is still there. If there is any acid present you will see the baking soda foam up. Keep cleaning till there is no sign of foaming. Rinse very good with lots of water. Get a new bolt and nut to reattach the terminal, the old one may have the anti corrosion (zinc plating) corroded away. Coat the terminals with silicone dielectric grease to help keep them clean.

 

I don't know where to get them but if you can find them it would be better to use lead plated hardware instead of standard zinc plated hardware.

[Hummingbird]

Thanks Jeff - I appreciate the info.

[84xj1100]

I so agree.............especially the dielectric grease - white grease just don't cut it

[Hummingbird]

I so agree.............especially the dielectric grease - white grease just don't cut it

 

 

Well, I was taken aback that it had corroded so soon that I figured wheel bearing grease would be better than it was. I use the white lithium on the 7 pin for the camper, have for years and never had a problem. I sure that every truck I've owned has white lithium in the 7 pin receptacle.

[Flyinfool]

White grease is better than nothing.

White grease has volatiles in it that will evaporate over time making it harden and lose protection.

 

Silicone dielectric grease is specifically made for use on electrical connections. This is what you will find in all of the factory connectors and light bulb sockets on the exterior of your car.

[Nemo]

I would like to offer a very inexpensive and permanent solution to corroding battery posts. Buy a pair of felt boot inner soles. Cut out large washer shaped discs with holes in them, large enough to fit over the battery posts. Slip these washers over each post and satuate throughly with motor oil (This is after you've cleaned the terminals with soda, as previously stated). They'll never corrode again! Allso, now you've got enough spare material to make dozens more of them, for your friends! Owen.

[Moparlvr4406]

corrosion is usually caused by improperly tightend terminals

a slightly loose connection with amperage going through it will corrode quickly

and ANYTHING you can use to seal out oxygen from the connection will stop corrosion in it's tracks...corrosion=oxidation.

 

I use stainless steel hardware on my batteries on all my vehicles