Problem with battery terminal

[Curry]

Ok so I recently installed my stinger terminals maybe 5 weeks ago or so. on the positive terminal around the ouside theres green stuff all around it. I tried to scrape some of it off and the stinger terminal looked like it was rusting underneath? or it was just copper or something... Anyone know whats going on there?

I plan on getting rid of the battery pretty soon, I'll be installing an optima red top... I just want to know if this is a major problem and if it should be address imediately.

I remember reading about this somewhere but I couldn't remember the term or what the problem was that the person had, which is why i posted here..

I would take a picture but recently my camera went missing (Or stolen ) , so if i find it ill post a pic up, but im sure someone may know what im talking about.

Thanks.

[Delay_FTB]

Originally Posted by Curry

Ok so I recently installed my stinger terminals maybe 5 weeks ago or so. on the positive terminal around the ouside theres green stuff all around it. I tried to scrape some of it off and the stinger terminal looked like it was rusting underneath? or it was just copper or something... Anyone know whats going on there?

I plan on getting rid of the battery pretty soon, I'll be installing an optima red top... I just want to know if this is a major problem and if it should be address imediately.

I remember reading about this somewhere but I couldn't remember the term or what the problem was that the person had, which is why i posted here..

I would take a picture but recently my camera went missing (Or stolen ) , so if i find it ill post a pic up, but im sure someone may know what im talking about.

Thanks.

Well, depending on what it is exactly, it may or may not be a big thing. If you're replacing the battery soon, I wouldn't worry about it. Just clean your terminalrs real well before putting them on the new battery. Its either a type of corrosion, oxidation or possibly, a leak (doubtful, but a possibility). The sooner you swap the battery, the better off you'll be.

[mazdaverx7]

ther terminals are corroding. remove the cable(s) and get some battery cleaner with neutralizer. spray the stuff on there and let it sit. it'll foam up. use a wire brush and clean the terminals and battery posts. reinstall the terminals with some colored discs that you should aquire when you purchase teh cleaner from teh parts store. the disce are red and green. they prevent corrsion.

[Curry]

Originally Posted by mazdaverx7

ther terminals are corroding. remove the cable(s) and get some battery cleaner with neutralizer. spray the stuff on there and let it sit. it'll foam up. use a wire brush and clean the terminals and battery posts. reinstall the terminals with some colored discs that you should aquire when you purchase teh cleaner from teh parts store. the disce are red and green. they prevent corrsion.

Whats the reason for it corroding? Bad connections or something? I mean I wouldn't want this to happen again.

[mazdaverx7]

not too much you can do about the corroding. the discs really help. the lead terminals love the corrosion. not too terribly sure what causes it. i'll find out and post back.

[thoughthard]

Goto the parts store and ask them for the "good" battery discs that prevent corrosion. The last ones I got were behind the counter in a small can. These ones are soaked in some sort of anti-corrosion fluid. The ones found hanging on one of the shelfs on the sales floor are garbage.

[Pb]

To prevent corrosion thinly coat the posts, terminal clamps, lugs and exposed metal around the battery with high temperature and water resistant wheel bearing grease, lithium grease or silicone. I use electrical grease from Lowe's.

To clean the corrosion mix one or two tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to make a paste and apply to the corroded areas. This should bubble away the problem. Wipe clean and dry well. If you live in a humid environment your batteries will have a tendency to corrode faster.

Corrosion is caused by one or more the following:

Dirty or wet battery tops normally caused from expansion of electrolyte from overfilled cells or weeping from faulty battery terminal seals

Acid fumes leaking through the vent caps, which could be a sign of overcharging

Not enough battery box ventilation

Electrolysis due to the mismatch of metal alloys used in the battery posts, lugs, terminal clamps or terminals

[Curry]

Thanks everyone for all the info. PB I will try that on my terminals until I get the new battery and see if it helps. I remember it being humid that day so I guess that could be it... who knows. I just can't wait to get my new alternator and batteries. Having to jump start my car is a pain in the ass.

[mikegett]

Good posts. I use high temp silicone and the corrosion disks. One other thing to mention about the corrosion. Poor contacts on the terminal will cause a increase in amperage as the current tries to pass. This will cause (normaly) a green oxidation. It is very common on high voltage applications drawing excessive amperage. Other terminal oxidation tends to be a white to off white collor. If your terminal posts were scored, or your terminals weren't propperly mounted it could have easily caused the green oxidation. Since you recently installed the terminals, I am guessing you had a poor connection. Be very carefull. This type of oxidation means that your system is pulling much more amperage than what your teminals like. Since you don't have a fuse at the battery, a fire can result. In most cases, the fuse will blow and shut off your system. However, if you are pushing a rather large fuse, the added current could over exceed the cable. When you install your new battery, be certain not to cause gauging in the posts. Double check all connections for tight fit.

[Curry]

Originally Posted by mikegett

Good posts. I use high temp silicone and the corrosion disks. One other thing to mention about the corrosion. Poor contacts on the terminal will cause a increase in amperage as the current tries to pass. This will cause (normaly) a green oxidation. It is very common on high voltage applications drawing excessive amperage. Other terminal oxidation tends to be a white to off white collor. If your terminal posts were scored, or your terminals weren't propperly mounted it could have easily caused the green oxidation. Since you recently installed the terminals, I am guessing you had a poor connection. Be very carefull. This type of oxidation means that your system is pulling much more amperage than what your teminals like. Since you don't have a fuse at the battery, a fire can result. In most cases, the fuse will blow and shut off your system. However, if you are pushing a rather large fuse, the added current could over exceed the cable. When you install your new battery, be certain not to cause gauging in the posts. Double check all connections for tight fit.

This definetly sounds like the problem. I will have to double check the connection on the positive terminal then. The other terminal is fine. The fust is a 250 amp and wiring is 0guage, but tomorrow I will be going to pick up that new batt.