White crusty stuff.

[Road_Phantom]

I found a white crusty-like substance on one the battery post to my trailer, so I cleaned it up and reattached the cable. How do I prevent this from happening again? I see where grease is applied to the post and clamp, or in older times, a penny put near it, I guess to draw the corrosion away from the post. I need a better solution. Thanks

[Gjac]

Not mentioned yet is the water level in each cell. This always occurs if the cells are overfilled with water. I notice if I keep the level above the plates and just below the ring, I don't get the corrosion. If your batteries are not on a slide like mine, it's hard to see the level and hard to fill also.

[JIMNLIN]

I had that problem with my diesel tractors other equipment with a battery. Sitting for a couple of weeks before being used and on and off charging systems.
I've used Whip battery protection for over 35 years now with no more acid issues around connection points.

[StirCrazy]

Road Phantom wrote:
I found a white crusty-like substance on one the battery post to my trailer, so I cleaned it up and reattached the cable. How do I prevent this from happening again? I see where grease is applied to the post and clamp, or in older times, a penny put near it, I guess to draw the corrosion away from the post. I need a better solution. Thanks

which post was it? if it was the positive post it could mean your overcharging your battery, if the negitive post it could mean your not charging long enough. aside from cleaning and using the corosion pads and greases, you should try to prevent whats causing it in the first place, if there is inface an issue.

Steve

[mosseater]

Clean, reconnect, and coat liberally with Vaseline. Been doing it for decades.

[BurbMan]

Mix baking soda into a paste and use that to clean the terminal with a nylon brush, this neutralizes the acid in the white stuff. In the old days we coated the connection with vaseline, today you can use di-electric grease.

[steveh27]

Petroleum Jelly

[time2roll]

The seal around the terminal is probably broken with acid wicking up to create the white lead-sulfate. This corrosion is water soluble and will rinse away. Then remove the wire connector from the terminal and clean with some terminal cleaner or plain water. Wipe dry and toss the rag. Get some of the terminal pads and place around the terminal before reconnecting the wire connecter. Then spray with battery protectant. Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands after the service.

[CA_Traveler]

"I need a better solution." AGMs are a better solution as they don't vent. Well if they do it's a one time event and they are toast. Last longer, cost more.

Might want to verify that you have a good 3 stage charger as not all chargers are equal.

[wa8yxm]

White Crusty Stuff... = Lead Oxide.

Use of battery terminal grease may reduce it..
Not sure you can prevent it
Clean at least 1 or 2 times a year is best advice
NYLON brush.

[garmp]

I was told by an authority on RVs that hair spray is very effective. Makes sense to me as it cuts off the oxygen, thus no oxidation. Though I haven't tried it yet. Just FYI!

[IAMICHABOD]

I use a 2 pronged approach to this that was taught to me by a Master Mechanic that was used in their shops for commercial over the road trucks and have been using it for years with very good results and no more white crusty stuff.
After a good cleaning.

First put down Battery Terminal Anti Corrosion Washers on each battery post.

Then apply a good coat of Battery Terminal Protector

You should be good for years,I know I have been.

[CA_Traveler]

Auto stores have battery terminal corrosion products plus a male/female wire brush. Batteries can vent more with age/usage, consider having them load checked for current state.