battery terminal corrosion.

[ColinB]

The 6 volt battery in my Junior has died and I have another on the way. One feature of the old dead battery was that the terminals would get clogged up with salt deposits even when I removed the negative lead between runs and used a proprietary terminal spray. Any thoughts on how to prevent this with my new battery which is of the same vintage model?

[bitsobrits]

Felt "washers" with ID equal to the terminal saturated with engine oil or an anti corrosion formula like ACF 50 or the like is what I've been using for the last few decades with original type lead acid batteries. Usually just needs an annual clean and re-oil.

[ColinB]

Thanks Steve. Presumably these go under the connectors?

[bitsobrits]

Yes, under the connector. These felt washers were common is U.S. parts stores for decades, until the advent of the side terminal "sealed" batteries. Probably still available on eBay or Amazon, though easy enough to make your own.

[ColinB]

Many thanks Steve.

[cdk84]

Hello again, Colin, Hi Steve,

If memory serves, the felt washers were chemically treated ( using Benzotriazole, I believe --a chemical used as an anti-fogging agent in particularly active photographic film and sometimes even photo paper developers ). BZTriazole was chosen because its effect on metals, like the lead terminals on battery cable, is similar to its effect on that other electrochemical microcosm, the reactive ionic realm of photographic chemistry.

The felt washers are still readily available in parts stores here in the US, so if you have Any difficulty finding them, please let me know and I will happily source some for you. One of the first things I do when replacing a battery or acquiring a new car is to install a set of these felt washers.

Should you find them closer to Parson Drove, please use rubber gloves when handling the felt: it's not benign with its reaction-retardant infusion.

Very Best,

David