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Main Forum => Tips and Tricks => Topic started by: Ron Dittmer on July 08, 2013, 11:50:35 pm

Title: Tip On Battery Care
Post by: Ron Dittmer on July 08, 2013, 11:50:35 pm

I was doing this to my 2007 Ford chassis battery today and later wondered why not share this with the community.

To permanently eliminate battery terminal corrosion on conventional lead acid batteries, clean each terminal and surrounding area well.  At the base where the lead metal meets the plastic battery case, apply a layer of silicone rubber caulk like this.  Let cure for 24 hours, then you are good to go.  You will never have to worry about corrosion on the terminals again until you replace the battery.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/9243094397_449d5c7fb9_z.jpg)

What happens over time, the seal between the dissimilar materials (lead and plastic) fails.  Then acid wicks up the lead terminal to the outside and corrodes the connection.

Stores sell a quick fix, those red and green felt washers.  They absorb the acid until saturated, but the silicone caulk eliminates the problem at the source.  It is a permanent solution.  Just be sure to leave adequate lead terminal exposed for your battery cables to attach.  If you over-did it like I might have done here, you can always trim it with a razer blade.

Title: Re: Tip On Battery Care
Post by: Bruce on July 09, 2013, 01:36:02 am

Ron,
Another great idea!  Thanks for sharing.
--Bruce

Title: Re: Tip On Battery Care
Post by: bgolden on July 09, 2013, 09:18:42 am

Thanks again Ron for another Helpful Hint.  Copied, Cut and Pasted to my Ron's Tips Folder.

 tymote

Bill G
 Clicked on Helpful

Title: Re: Tip On Battery Care
Post by: billy on July 12, 2013, 09:49:31 am

 (exactly). Great idea! Tnx Ron

Title: Re: Tip On Battery Care
Post by: Michelle Dungan on January 27, 2017, 01:53:45 am

Xlnt tip, Ron!  I had no idea about the how and why of corrosion mysteriously occuring as a battery ages and the charging system isn't over-doing it.  Pity this isn't done when you need a battery away from home by the rolling installers or others, as they do finish the installation with that sprayed-on red goo, which helps the top for quite a while.  Best, though, would be if the manufacturers added in this step.

Title: Re: Tip On Battery Care
Post by: 2 Frazzled on January 27, 2017, 08:57:40 am

Walmart sells the red goo. They have packages with just goo, just felt type rings and a combo pack - which is what we bought. You spray the goo, put the rings on, spray the goo and done. I'm sure it doesn't last forever but the little spray bottle of goo is small so we carry it along.