I will be changing out my start batteries soon and I wanted to start cleaning all of the connections. I thought I would use a wire brush on a drill to clean them. Do any of you have a recommendation for the terminal treatment/anti corrosion to put on them? It looks like yellow paint is on them now.
I have always just used grease. The "wheel bearing" grease that comes in a small can with the plastic top has seemed to work well for me.
It might be a good idea to buy the tool that well clean the inside of the fitting and the post it self if you have post. I also use the spray coating comes in a small can and it put a good protective coating that last between maintenance.
Persinally, I would use a post tool cost about 5 bucks ^.^d and emery cloth. Not a wire brush, then the 3buck red spray
Min have been good for 4 years after many issues.
I clean all electrical terminals then coat with Kopr-Shield (liquid copper and oils). I have had this for over 30 yrs and never any corrosion. I also use it when putting bolts etc into frame or? as an anti-sieze.
JohnH
Is CorrosionX good for battery terminals and connections?
BTW, I noticed it does not seem to dry out; won't this collect dirt and crud?
Thanks,
Trent
O.H.,
If you have conventional terminals, the green and red felts you buy at the parts store seem to work fine. That is the only thing I use and don't get any corrosion on the terminals. A light coating of grease you have been using won't hurt or the spray suggested. If your cable is removable from the terminal fitting, the four bolt military type is a good choice. Use a file to flatten and clean the cable ends as pictured in a previous post of mine. I also replaced all the nuts, bolts and washers with stainless steel. All contacts surfaces battery post to terminal need to be spotless.
Pierce
Pierce,
So true, we change out hundreds of batteries a year using only the treated felt like washers over the studs, with zero issues with corrosion, of course they have to be corrosion free to start with and no over charging causing heavy gassing and keeping battery tops dry. We generally get 3 years service on starting batteries on our emergency generators, we try to change them before they fail during a storm in the middle of the night. All battery chargers are not created equal, the very best have an adjustment to maintain a desired voltage, can get 10 years with a proper charger.
I use the "yellow paint" on our terminal posts. It is actually a product called DEKA battery terminal protection spray. It protects against corrosion on the battery posts very well. Made by a company in East Penn.
any of the battery terminal brushes will work. I like to use vaseline its cleaner than grease but also batteries get dirty and grease and vasaline attract dirt. So maybe the yellow or red sprays would be a better choice.
Dielectric grease (silicone grease)...Your best electrical friend in humid/wet areas...
I use a product called Oxlic, it's made in Riverview Fla (Tampa). it was designed for the marine industry been using it for years on a truck fleet put it on new vehicles, and when changing battery's. Never had to clean or replace any connectors or battery cables as a result of corrosion. The best part is it wipes off, doesn't stain, and does not get hard. It is pink in color it comes in contact with acid it will turn orange so you know at a glance if you have a problem.
Exactly!
It's made specifically for electrical connections. Used on new equipment. I used it on every electrical connection I take apart. Especially light bulbs. No more breaking the bulb trying to change it out. You can buy it at most auto supply stores. Make sure it says "Dielectric" on the tube.
TOM