[TurboS10]

I am having trouble with excessive terminal corrosion on my 2000 chevy truck positive battery terminal. Anyone got a good fix for this. I just replaced the terminal end on the cable two weeks ago because it had corroded to the point it started arcing and ruined the terminal. It is corroding inside the wire and under the insulation. I have never seen one do this, or at least did not pay close enough attention to see it. I will add that I do have a amplifier tied in via a stud extension kit. It is just as corroded as the rest of the wires. Is there a product to spray on there to stop this. I know bearing grease will stop it at the ternimal, but that is not the only thing corroding.

Any info appreciated,

Chris

[dmorris1200]

I use stuff in a spray can called (I believe) Battery Terminal Protector. I think it's made by Permatex. It's a tacky red spray and you can spray it all over wherever corrosion might form. Way better than grease.

[crazy larry]

ive used the permatex and ive used bearing grease. i prefer the permatex cos its prettier and stuff don't seem to get entrapped in it as bad. if your cable is corroded replace it too cos it'll come rite back and the innerds of it are shot by now. clean it with baking soda and h2o or coke if you want. wd40 it and spray the permatex, put the cable ends on and spray that sucka again. i dunno, thats what i'd do. could be some underlying problem causing excessive corrosion. i dunno.

[roys63]

The battery case is leaking at the post or terminal, Replace the battery or check warranty

[TurboS10]

[quote]Originally posted by roys63:
<strong>The battery case is leaking at the post or terminal, Replace the battery or check warranty</strong><hr></blockquote>

I have never heard of this, but I guess it could be. Seems like the battery would go dead quickly. It is still fine.

Chris

[TurboS10]

I will try the soda and water sollution. I am not too kean on pooring coke all over, although I have heard before it works. I will have to try some of the permatex.

I have just never had a problem with corrosion like this. It actually was all over the tray and there was a pile of the white crap when I first discovered the problem. I guess the leaking battery might be starting to make sense. Any way to test? It does not appear to be leaking...

Chris

[crazy larry]

is it one o'them sealed jobbers? if it ain't, open 'er up and see if you have a low cell. also pay close attention too the area around the post, might have a little crack. that would allow acid a route into your cables...

[pasadenahotrod]

GM has outlawed the battery post and replaced it with the "Side Terminal". In fact it is not that bad an idea, however, in practice, and we've had years to practice now, it suxks. The evil corrosion, particularly on + post, usually has eaten away the flat washer-style terminal inside the red insulation and often ballooned the cable sheath with mungo too, by the time there is a problem or we happen to notice it!
The main reason for leakage around the terminal "insert" in the side of the battery is too much tightening on the terminal bolt. They make that bolt head so small to try to foil us from cranking it down but we always find a way. This often causes a teensy flaw in the seal arounf the etrminal and, voila, terminal and cable rot!
Solution: replace all cables with new and clean battery terminal with Permatex's other great product "Battery Terminal Cleaner" spray. Make a small "dot"-mask for the terminal in battery and spray Permatex "Battery Terminal Sealer". Use new terminal bolt, available at all auto parts stores, and tighten with small wrench snugly, not SNUGLY, but "snugly"! Now mask off the insulation and battery and spray the sealer on the terminal bolt and exposed terminal.
You should be good for many months, but keep a watch on it!
Don't forget to check the water in your battery every month during the hot months and every 2 during the cool months.

[4 Jaw Chuck]

I have always used silicone vacuum diaphram grease, sticky and messy but it stays put and stops corrosion cold for years and years. Just try to wash it off your hands after to see what I mean.

[TurboS10]

Okay pasadena, I missed something. You said to clean and replace everything but the battery. Maybe I missunderstood, but it the battery not ruined after the leak is caused. Or is it a seal that will reseal once cleaned and lightly tightened. I am not informed in the battery construction field

I just put a new end on the existing cable as it was in bad shape. The cable did not seem to be damaged, just corroded a bit. Are you saying that without replacing the corroded cable, the corrosion will not stop?

Thanks,

Chris

[38ChevyCoupe]

I will bet 8 to 5 the battery is leaking :p

[Short Bed Shorty]

I third the motion that the battery may be leaking fluid at the positive terminal.

Just to be on the safe side, if your finances will allow, replace the battery and replace the positive battery cable. Make sure all positive and negative battery connections and grounds are clean and snug. Make sure your battery hold down is tight and keeping the battery from bouncing around while driving. Lastly coat with your favorite grease or spray.

That should be the ticket, ood luck

[Kevin45]

Clean the terminals with baking soda and water. Mix up a paste and take a small stiff bristle brush and clean the terminals. This will neutralize the sulfuric acid of the battery. Clean off the rest of the battery. Get a good grease and coat the terminals and re-install. Just be sure to use safety and wear safety glasses if you use a stiff bristle brush (old toothbrush) so as not to flip any of the acid into your eyes.

Kevin

[78novaman]

Also, vasalene works great to prevent corrosion. My boss has used it for years on his work trucks. Just spread it on the terminals after you connect them.