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Re: Battery Buildup Question Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 13 Aug 2001 13:19:39
In Reply to: Battery Buildup Question, ChrisB, Mon, 13 Aug 2001 09:23:40 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
That spongelike substance is a combination of lead oxide and moisture and other impurities in air. Oxide buildup is a side effect of electrical contacts. Also, the battery vents small amounts of air, and that air contains the sulphuric acid in the battery. That contributes to the corrosion on the terminals.
I haven't had much luck using grease to seal terminals - in my experience, chemicals in the grease react with the oxide buildup to create more interesting chemicals - your pretty blue, for example. Many autoparts stores sell little chemical-impregnated fiber discs - they look like washers - that you put over the battery post and then put the clamp on. The chemicals in the disc help reduce corrosion build-up.
You don't need a battery explosion to corrode out a battery tray. Those sulphuric acid fumes from the battery are heavier than air - when they leak out the top, they flow down the sides of the battery and sit in the tray. The heat of the engine compartment only speeds up the corrosion process. That's the white powder you see, and oxidation of steel is rust.
Clean the battery tray with some water and baking soda, then pour a bottle of Coke or Pepsi on it, then rinse after a few minutes. That cleans some of the rust out. If the tray still seems sound, leave it, but if it looks structurally compromised - extra holes, rickety mounts - replace it. If the battery comes loose in the engine compartment, it won't be pretty.
John has good ideas - a chemically-treated pad under the battery will help neutralize the gas and reduce corrosion. Sealed batteries don't normally vent gas, so there is less there to create corrosion.
Good luck!
posted by 140.157....
, Mon, 13 Aug 2001 13:19:39 <-- Viewing This Message
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