Batt. cables corrosion

[IVT1]

I'm trying to find a reason for corrosion at pos.cable batt. end & also at voltage reg. I've heard many silly answers but no real cause or fix, does anyone know for sure ? Thanks IVT1

[ford38v8]

Elelctrolysis occurs between disimilar metals at the terminals. After a cleaning with baking soda and a water rinse, the simple fix is to install the oil impregnated felt washers under the battery terminals as found in all auto supply stores.

[tiger.1000]

Clean the terminals and smear them with a thin coat of Vaseline....works for me

[V12Bill]

I think that the seal between the post and the battery is gone. I had this problem last year and a few years before that . My battery tie down was encrusted with battery acid and would need to be sandblasted and repainted a couple of times each summer. I bought a new battery this year and don't have the problem any more. Try to put some silicon caulking at the base of the post and the battery case and see if that doesn't help.

[Ross6860]

There is also a product you can buy to spray the battery terminals after assembly. It dries and leaves a red coating.

PS - Those felt washers work.

[jack orchard]

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Originally Posted by V12Bill

I think that the seal between the post and the battery is gone. Try to put some silicon caulking at the base of the post and the battery case and see if that doesn't help.

I agree with V12Bill
(1) clean and completely neutralize the acid on the posts, top of battery, and all connectors with baking soda, rinse w/water
(2) do the same on all other connections on the frame, block, etc.
(3) replace any iffy cables and cheap bolt-on repair connectors
(4) do as V12Bill suggested: seal with silicon the area around posts.
(5) check charging system to verify it is not overcharging (volts too high)
(6) felt washers are optional

Good luck, jack

[Old Henry]

Coat all terminals with di-electric grease before assembly. It's specifically designed to prevent that corrosion.

[Lawson Cox]

What Old Henry says, or get an Optima. They do not corrode cables.

[Ross F-1]

Originally Posted by jack orchard

I agree with V12Bill
(1) clean and completely neutralize the acid on the posts, top of battery, and all connectors with baking soda, rinse w/water
...

If the battery is burping up acid around the post, don't clean the top with any baking soda. If any gets down into the cell under the post, the battery is toast! But I learned long ago, if a battery is always covered with acid, get rid of it and buy one that doesn't leak. I have three AutoZone Duralast batteries and haven't had to clean any of them in their lifetimes ( one is 8 yrs old, one is 5, one is 3 yrs old).