acid build up at terminals
Submitted: Monday, Jan 11, 2010 at 19:18
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al
Hi guys
I have 92 GQ patrol diesel 4.2. I have dual battery system one deep cycle the other normal crank battery, both lead acid and both under 6 months old.
MY problem is, they both at the terminals get covered by white powder.
In 2 or 3 weeks they get so covered they need cleaning.
There is no leakage a round the terminals, batteries hold their charge, all terminals have the felt washer and I use vaseline on the terminals. The vehicle is used at least 3 times a week and covers about 150k's a week
Has any one any idea what is going on ? Never had this problem before.
Thanks
Al
Reply By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 11, 2010 at 20:56
Monday, Jan 11, 2010 at 20:56
Al,
You say that there is no leakage around the terminals, but IMO the white powder indicates that 'gassing' is occurring in this area, indicating a failed terminal post seal...
Possible/probable causes of such failure include (but not necessarily restricted to) the following >>
(A) Tapping the terminal on with a hammer (or other 'blunt instrument'), and /or putting excessive 'side pressure' on the terminal post while tightening the clamp bolt..
(B) Lifting the battery using one of those battery-pick-up-straps which grab the terminal posts, especially so with the larger/heavier batteries..
Since I stopped using this type of 'picker-upper', I've had no problems at all with terminal corrosion..
Dunno if any of the above applies to your situation, but food for thought in any case ;-)
YMMV
Regards, Ed C
:)
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Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Jan 12, 2010 at 15:25
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2010 at 15:25
I agree.
. . . or it's a lousy battery with defective seals around the post.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: kiwicol1 - Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 22:27
Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 at 22:27
also agree, have seen many battery suppliers fit a battery then hammer down a tight fitting terminal, doesnt take much to break that seal specially on a cheaper battery. Col
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Reply By: Hairs & Fysh (NSW) - Monday, Jan 11, 2010 at 20:58
Monday, Jan 11, 2010 at 20:58
Hi Al,
I've never had that problem, really I haven't. I've seen it often enough and really thick on some batteries.
My engine bay gets truck washed each time I wash the vehicle, then gets a good spray of WD40. Especially the wire harness.
The old girl gets a tub and polish about every month, depending on how dirty she gets.
Maybe that has something to do with, don't know. My dad use to put a blackish thick paint-able muck on his terminals, he reckon it worked. Can't remember what it was called.
AnswerID:
398885