Chasing the green monster away
I swapped out a battery for a new one. The old one is fine, but I needed an extra Deep Cell battery, so I figure I'd put the new one on my trailer. For some reason, it would not work. Then I saw th...
Forum Discussion
I made it a point to study the mechanics of battery post and terminal corrosion and this is what I learned (high points)
- Much corrosive elements issue from the cell filler vents
- But invisible to the eye corrosive gas vents at the junction between the battery case and lead terminal posts
- Felt disc "washers" saturated with oil effectively seal the posts
- But the design of the traditional marine/deep cycle combination post is so large the felt washers cannot be used
- Therefore reliance on a sealant alone must be used
- The sealant must be forced into place through tight clearances
- The entire area around the terminal must be "glopped" with sealant
- It is not only liquid electrolyte that corrodes
- Hydrogen sulfide contributes much of the corrosion
- Out of the vents the gas rises but little impedes its rise
- From the post case junction, the entire lug or terminal gets dosed. The underneath of the terminal, which cannot be easily seen
- Decades ago Petroleum Jelly was recommended as a viable sealant
- Today's much hotter underhood environment turns the jelly into a thin liquid, making it useless
- Chassis grease withstands heat well but people complain about the mess to hands and clothes when under the hood
- Clear silicone grease is adequate and avoids contaminating hands and clothing...it washes out easier
- When applying protective sealant the underside of terminals must be attended to so as to not leave gaps. This is critical
- A solution of baking soda in very hot water can work 10 times faster than it does in cool water
- Wear splash goggles. You have but two eyes.
