Battery clamps already oxidizing....

accent2012 · Dec 19, 2013

So a few days ago I helped my friend replace her dead battery. I checked with a voltmeter and the old battery was registering 10 volts. It was an everstart that lasted about a year after the warranty expired. Due to costs, etc. the only place we could buy a battery was at Walmart, which had just one battery left that she needed for her car, which is a mercury mariner 2006. So, we replaced the old everstart with a newer everstart.

The CLAMPS before replacing the battery were badly oxidized but in working condition. The old battery was also leaking acid or something as there was fluid at the bottom of the battery pan - what a mess that was.

Anyway, I did my best to clean the CLAMPS after taking them off and replacing them on the new battery.

A few days later, the terminals are oxidizing again! She also told me the clamps were replaced before when she got the recently replaced battery installed. This is her third battery and it looks like she will need new clamps again because the metal is oxidized so badly that I can't turn the screw all the way to tighten it.

So, what could be causing the oxidation of the clamps? My experience with everstart batteries is exactly this... oxidation at the clamps, when replaced with a better battery, such as interstate, that oxidation build up would stop.

Could the alternator be causing this or is it just the battery?

Edit***
I am talking about the clamps... not the terminals.

I did clean the terminals and clamps before installation with baking soda and put a small amount of vaseline, but the clamps is still building up with that white/greenish gunk.

zzyzzx · Dec 19, 2013

Use these:

This next one is in my car:

These felt washers are the type of thing you should remember to tack on to your next Rock Auto order if it doesn't boost shipping costs.

redhat · Dec 19, 2013

Good reminder, I got to add these to my batt today. I have no corrosion but I'd like to keep it that way. I also monthly or so spray the terminals with batt protector.

Rolla07 · Dec 19, 2013

Get the spray on stuff. It works great, you just spray it all over the clamp and terminal, protects it from oxidizing. Works great in my environment, going from hot humid in summer, to cold damp in winter.. and everything else in between.. Clean it once more and get the spray for it. See:

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80370-Battery-Protector-Aerosol/dp/B000BOKML2

ColdCanuk · Dec 19, 2013

Fluid Film on my battery posts seems to do an excellent job.

dishdude · Dec 19, 2013

If you're getting that much corrosion that fast, the battery is leaking badly and should be replaced.

Roadkingnc · Dec 19, 2013

This is usually caused by a heavy hand while tightening the terminals. Some good rtv will help with the leak. The spray can also help after getting them pretty much spotless.
No leak no corrosion.

Tegger · Dec 19, 2013

Originally Posted By: accent2012
I did clean the terminals and clamps before installation with baking soda and put a small amount of vaseline, but the clamps is still building up with that white/greenish gunk.

You probably broke the case/post seal by overtightening the clamp screws.

Clean off the terminal post where it meets the battery case. Spread some 3-in-1 oil or other very light oil all around the base of the terminal. Start the engine. Now watch the case/post join carefully. See any bubbling between metal and plastic? Then the case/post seal is cracked.

bullwinkle · Dec 19, 2013

I have to call bull "shiitake" on the over tightening the clamps theory-I have 2 batteries with leakage at the posts-one is the Ford OEM one in the co. van, and the other one is the dual post Duralast Gold in the GMC that has NEVER HAD A CLAMP ON IT IN ITS LIFE! Use the felt washers AND the battery protectant spray, or even a glob of white lithium grease on top of the clamps & you'll have no problems!

Donald · Dec 19, 2013

I for one cannot see how over tightening can damage much. Is it going to make the post oval instead of round? Hard to imagine. Now distorting the case by over tightening the hold down screw may be a possibility. I can see people twisting off the battery clamp rather than using a puller causing some problems.

I think you need at least the MAXX at Walmart. Go back and say you are not happy with the battery leaking and want to pay to upgrade to a MAXX.

accent2012 · Dec 19, 2013

The clamps are [censored], they are not on that, so no way they are overtightened on the terminal. Upon my second inspection last night I did not notice any leaks at the terminals.

The screw on the clamp has build up or corrosion that prevents me from firmly tightening the clamp onto the terminal.

No point in getting a different battery now because I found out my friend threw the receipt out... I'll double check for leaks, re-clean the clamps, put some di-electric grease, protector, etc.

SatinSilver · Dec 19, 2013

Walmart has the felt protectors along with battery cleaner and protector. Right by the battery section.

SHOZ · Dec 19, 2013

The leaking comes when you torque the post and internally bend the soft lead. This breaks the seal.

And liquid sudsy ammonia cleaner is by far the best way to clean off the clamps and neutralize the acid. It's amazing compared to the messy baking soda paste.

Just pour it on, let it sit for a few seconds then rinse off with water.

Rand · Dec 19, 2013

usually AAP is the cheapest w/coupon code

I just got a silver series for 57$ and it wasn't the cheapest one.

Donald · Dec 19, 2013

Originally Posted By: accent2012
The clamps are [censored], they are not on that, so no way they are overtightened on the terminal. Upon my second inspection last night I did not notice any leaks at the terminals.

The screw on the clamp has build up or corrosion that prevents me from firmly tightening the clamp onto the terminal.

No point in getting a different battery now because I found out my friend threw the receipt out... I'll double check for leaks, re-clean the clamps, put some di-electric grease, protector, etc.

The Walmart that sold the battery will have the sale stored on their computer. No receipt is needed. They will also go by MFG date.

Rolla07 · Dec 19, 2013

Originally Posted By: Donald

accent2012 said:
The clamps are [censored], they are not on that, so no way they are overtightened on the terminal. Upon my second inspection last night I did not notice any leaks at the terminals.

The screw on the clamp has build up or corrosion that prevents me from firmly tightening the clamp onto the terminal.

No point in getting a different battery now because I found out my friend threw the receipt out... I'll double check for leaks, re-clean the clamps, put some di-electric grease, protector, etc. The Walmart that sold the battery will have the sale stored on their computer. No receipt is needed. They will also go by MFG date.

I dont understand why you wouldnt keep the receipt.. put it in the glove box and forget about it.. if you ever need it, it wont be far..

SHOZ · Dec 19, 2013

The corrosion is coming from the acid in the battery. It has to be leaking. Copper is very susceptible to sulfuric acid. On my sons Impala the cheap plating they use from the factory was all gone and the bare copper is just there now. Goober the terminal and post and seal at the post/battery case with Vaseline. it dos a well as anything.

But the battery is leaking gaseous acid when under charge.

SHOZ · Dec 19, 2013

Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Originally Posted By: Donald

accent2012 said:
The clamps are [censored], they are not on that, so no way they are overtightened on the terminal. Upon my second inspection last night I did not notice any leaks at the terminals.

The screw on the clamp has build up or corrosion that prevents me from firmly tightening the clamp onto the terminal.

No point in getting a different battery now because I found out my friend threw the receipt out... I'll double check for leaks, re-clean the clamps, put some di-electric grease, protector, etc. The Walmart that sold the battery will have the sale stored on their computer. No receipt is needed. They will also go by MFG date.

I dont understand why you wouldnt keep the receipt.. put it in the glove box and forget about it.. if you ever need it, it wont be far..

Like the thermo printed receipts that fade in a year or so? You are better to scan it and keep a copy in your computer.

accent2012 · Dec 19, 2013

Yeah, they want to charge $10 to look it up, she called.

So yeah, I just got back from the auto parts store with a new clamp and protectors. Thanks for all the helpful tips.

I'll do my best so as to let this battery last for as long as possible.

JHZR2 · Dec 19, 2013

That many batteries in a new vehicle may indicate something wrong, though it may well be climate. I know my SIL's corolla eats batteries in FL too. So you probably want to do due diligence on the alternator, AC ripple, etc.

Overtightening is also a possibility.

I like dielectric grease on the terminal, around it where it mates to the case, and on the cable itself. Some also say to put an old copper penny on the battery.

Battery clamps already oxidizing....

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