Battery gunk
- Thread starter connor grimes
- Start date
Dissimilar metals at the bolt typically cause the reaction.
Post and the battery terminal are both lead. The copper terminals are causing a reaction because of the dissimilar metals.
Dissimilar metals. Use Tinned terminals. The closer the elements are on the periodic table, the less reaction to each other.
TNHEADDUCK
TJ Enthusiast
A old school trick was to lay a penny on top of the battery, it will keep the corrosion off of the battery terminal ends. Don't know how it works but there are pennies on all of my batteries and I dont have trouble with corrosion.
The (CU) penny acts like a sacrificial anode in a water heater to control corrosion.
Same method is utilized on Aluminum boats with sacrificial zinc anodes in salt water and magnesium in fresh water.
and how is this penny attached to said battery?
Sulphuric acid fumes from the battery are what cause that corrosion. Remove the battery connections then thoroughly wire brush the battery posts and connectors and then spray a protective battery connection sealant like CRC Battery Connector Protector over the posts and connectors after reconnecting them.
I have noticed a small bit of corrosion on my negative terminal... These instances also occurred after a small whine from the front of my jeep, which happened when it was real cold once, and once a little warmer. I am thinking that my alternator may be on it's way out... Undercharging? I have read if it's on the positive side it could be overcharging? I am just starting down this rabbit hole tonight and will be watching my connections and driving with the music down for now...
TNHEADDUCK
TJ Enthusiast
When I put the battery/cable sealant on I shoot a little on the top of the battery to lay the penny on, 30 or so years ago I used
Permatex High Tack gasket sealant on the ends and battery. Never have had one come off.
Mix a strong solution of baking soda and pour or brush it on the terminals and wires. I use hot water and put enough BS so there is some undissolved BS on the bottom. This will neutralize the gunk. You can soak the wire ends in the solution and it will crawl up and clean the wires. Finnish by flushing with water. I just use the old fashion red and green fiber rings to keep the terminals clean.
Just don't get distracted and drop them on the 'wrong' posts... your wife will someday need to jump start the Jeep, ask the neighbor, and he'll nearly blow up his Lexus connecting the batteries backwards... "Because red is always positive..."
Run an AGM battery, which is sealed, or clean then spray the battery connections with the above recommended battery connector protectant and you won't need to stick a penny on top.