It pays to check once in a while....

[Mark_BX25D]

I needed to flush some bad fuel from the tank, and wanted to connect my battery charger to keep the battery up while I used the BX's pump to clear out the tank. Found I had some corrosion on the + terminal! No problem, I can clean that up.

Once I removed the crusty corrosion, this is what I found:

Maaaaybe I let that go uninspected a bit too long!

 

[BruceP]

Battery leaking acid around terminal.

If you are keeping the battery, consider installing those felt doughnuts which protect the terminals from such leakage.

Here is example ==> https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/d.../SCA_366191_hi-res.jpg?sw=1000&sh=1000&sm=fit

 

[leveraddict]

I've found if the terminal continues to corrode badly then the battery doesn't have long!

 

[Mark_BX25D]

I've found if the terminal continues to corrode badly then the battery doesn't have long!

That's often the case. For now, with a cleaned up terminal and a new bolt, it's working fine. I'll keep an eye on it and see how long it lives.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

dribble baking soda/water on it, let fizz up, dribble more, repeat until it stops fizzing, then flush with water.
best to remove battery so that you can 'fizz/flush' the battery tray as well !!

 

[Mark_BX25D]

All cleaned up already, and a dose of Fluid Film applied to the battery tray. Sulfuric acid and aluminum don't play well together!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

great... forgot to add, you should replace that cable as well, one day, it'll fail....early morning, winter, freezing cold, windy and 3' snow drifts......

 

[Mark_BX25D]

Yeah, I'm planning to replace them both. I want to install a port so I can run a 12v fuel pump, or attach a charger, without having to pull the battery out. I'll probably use a connector like this.


When I do that I'll replace them all.

I'll use military terminals, and cables made by BestBoatWire.com. I've had quite a few cables made by them and the quality and service is excellent, and the prices aren't bad at all.

 

[BruceP]

Yeah, I'm planning to replace them both. I want to install a port so I can run a 12v fuel pump, or attach a charger, without having to pull the battery out. I'll probably use a connector like this.

There is no need to re-invent the wheel here.

This is the worldwide standard for 12v DC connectors ==> https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/28...4e02c_1.817a8b21e31e465c850b3da50252f604.jpeg

This type of connector is typically rated for up to 10Amps.

Many battery-chargers already have this type of connector from the factory.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

There is no need to re-invent the wheel here.

This is the worldwide standard for 12v DC connectors ==> https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/28...4e02c_1.817a8b21e31e465c850b3da50252f604.jpeg

This type of connector is typically rated for up to 10Amps.

Many battery-chargers already have this type of connector from the factory.

10 amps isn't going to run a DC fuel pump, or jump start a tractor.


As for being a "world wide standard", um, no. Not even close.

(You are talking to an electrical engineer.)

 

[BruceP]

(You are talking to an electrical engineer.)

Just for the record....you are speaking to a colleague (Electronics, computer, and software engineer)
Spent 40 years in the world of computer-chip design, manufacturing, testing.

You did not mention using the connector for jump starting.... this may require over 300 amps.

By "worldwide standard", I meant in the automotive world. This is why many battery chargers have this kind of connector built-in.

These SAE connectors are registered with the "Society of Automotive Engineers" which indeed makes it a standard.

 

[Lil Foot]

By "worldwide standard", I meant in the automotive world. This is why many battery chargers have this kind of connector built-in.

Agreed.
4 out of my 5 maintainers have them.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

In the U.S. they are common. Not so much elsewhere. The Europeans are way ahead of us in a lot of areas, mostly due to our stupid pride in thinking our way must always be the best way.

Either way, they are cheezy junk in my book. Anderson style connectors are vastly superior.

 

[BruceP]

Either way, they are cheezy junk in my book. Anderson style connectors are vastly superior.

That is a different discussion my colleague.

I agree that better connectors are available. There are high-current connectors available which are also waterproof.... In the real world, being 'superior' may not be a priority. Infact, being 'compatible' becomes a desirable feature.

Lest we forget the adage : Good enough is the enemy of better!

This can be applied to many things. - Manufacturers of cellular devices have discovered that most people will not buy an expensive new phone if it offers no tangible benefits. Offering propitiatory features can put them at a disadvantage if not compatable with other devices.

 

[lynnmor]

Agreed.
4 out of my 5 maintainers have them.

I put those SAE connectors on all my seasonal batteries to connect a Battery Tender. There is no reason that you can't have both heavy duty and SAE for convenience.