Battery Corrosion

[Nellie Too]

For the last few weeks I have experienced a failure of my side thrusters. They would work often but not always under shore power. The minute I went on battery power they would quit working and most of the time the power would not come on. I gave a lot of thought to the possible causes and thought it might be a short in the wiring or a failing fuse. I hired a Side-Power distributor to come and take a look and do some diagnostics of the situation looking for possible cures. Before he showed up, I checked the battery power and it appeared to be very low so I called him and left a message about the low battery. He showed up on time and I mentioned my message so he proceeded to check the battery and to my surprise he found that the battery terminal had corroded totally off. I do periodically clean the terminals and sand the connections and the batteries are gel cell about three years old. I would recommend that checking them often is a good idea

Bob

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Bob:

Another addition to this is to apply dieelctric grease to the connections. This grease helps ward off corrosion and maintain a good electrical contact.

Jim F

 

[baz]

...and of course add, depending on battery type --- check electrolyte fluid level periodically as well. 🙂 Doing this on our R-25 is a PITA because the hull-side battery lids are difficult to pry up and viewing the fluid levels is not easy as there's very little line of sight as well as very little light to see with. Have to use a flash light to peer down into those little holes and if necessary squirt some distilled water in using the suction bulb/tube... a nasty maintenance chore at best.

 

[knotflying]

Dielectric grease is good to prevent corrosion, but tends to accumulate dirt and grit and can get a bit messy. Electrical insulating varnish works well and dries so there is nothing to collect grit. I am also a proponent of a product called corrosion block. Very expensive, about $20.00 for a spray can, but it impregnates itself into the metals and will even work it's way up wire insulation. I squirt it on every connection I work on and high moisture area nuts and bolt connections. Those who are into aviation know of a product called corrosion-X which prevents corrosion to aircraft frames, this product is very similar to that. It is available at auto parts stores. I have purchased it at NAPA.

 

[Just Dreamin']

Hairspray also works very well for battery connections. No grease, no grime. I start each season with a quick clean of the posts and lugs and a coating of hairspray. One can from Walmart's travel section (cost $1) has lasted three years. I am on my fourth season with AGMs and they still load test strong and have seen no sign of corrosion. Was viewing an episode of American Restoration recently and hairspray was also one of their recommendations for battery connections.

 

[Gin]

Hairspray. Really? Who knew? Amazing what one learns on the Tugnut forum. Great advice all.

Gini

 

[knotflying]

I bet you nail polish would work well also. Now I can start using all that stuff my wife brings on board for practical purposes. I wonder what I can use a curling iron for?