Cleaning battery terminals

[Bx 2200 voltage bleed]

my bx 2200 will not start unless battery terminals are shiny cleaned and terminals are very tight. About every two weeks I have to disconnect, clean and retighten both terminals. Don’t see corrosion but color changes from shiny to black or gray. Cause? Fix?

doug

 

[NCL4701]

The black/gray you see IS oxidation. Don’t know why it would become problematic that quickly unless it’s being subjected to something such as salt air/salt water spray in a coastal environment. However, if you’re having problems with excessive, accelerated oxidation I would try smearing it up good with dielectric grease after your next cleaning to isolate it from air/oxygen via the coating of grease. No oxygen exposure = no oxidation.

 

[85Hokie]

There are "sprays" and paste that you use - as mentioned, the dielectric grease does a good job keeping those little amps running around in a nice fashion.

 

[Oil pan 4]

Sounds like the battery is leaking acid around the posts.

 

[Dave_eng]

my bx 2200 will not start unless battery terminals are shiny cleaned and terminals are very tight. About every two weeks I have to disconnect, clean and retighten both terminals. Don’t see corrosion but color changes from shiny to black or gray. Cause? Fix?

doug

Are you paying attention to the outer end of the ground cable.
An aged battery will emit far more corrosive gasses. I think yours is telling you it is time for a replacement.

A weak end connection will make other connection conditions super critical.
Dave

 

[GreensvilleJay]

agree, 'leaky' battery.. acid fumes,microdrips coming out....

it's one reason why you should NOT hammer on battery terminals onto the posts.

clean battery really,really good with watery baking soda---flush, several times.
no bubbles = clean.

 

[Bx 2200 voltage bleed]

my bx 2200 will not start unless battery terminals are shiny cleaned and terminals are very tight. About every two weeks I have to disconnect, clean and retighten both terminals. Don’t see corrosion but color changes from shiny to black or gray. Cause? Fix?

doug

The battery is one month old.
Cleaned battery ground end when new battery installed. Will coat terminal and cable ends with vaseline next.

 

[Bx 2200 voltage bleed]

my bx 2200 will not start unless battery terminals are shiny cleaned and terminals are very tight. About every two weeks I have to disconnect, clean and retighten both terminals. Don’t see corrosion but color changes from shiny to black or gray. Cause? Fix?

doug

Will also clean acid from battery top and check for leaks around post.