Originally Posted By: Tegger
Originally Posted By: Geauxtiger
Originally Posted By: Tegger
Don't overtighten the terminals and you won't get the green fuzz even on regular batteries.
Why? What is the science behind that?
When you overtighten the terminal nut, you also force the post to tilt over. That movement cracks the case/post seal, since the case is made of plastic and is a lot more flexible than the post.
Once the case/post seal is compromised, gas escapes through the cracks, causing the green-and-fuzzies.
Here's a simple test anybody can perform:
1) Clean off all the fuzzy stuff using the usual methods
2) Dry off the posts and case, squeaky clean
3) Apply some dish soap to the base of the posts where they meet the case, making sure you leave a thick, smooth
bubble-free film all around the post, with no gaps
4) Reattach battery cables (negative last!)
5) Start engine
6) Watch bubbles start to form in the dish soap.
That's your crack. That's where the fuzzy stuff comes from.
We should just go back to the "spring clamp" top post terminals.
It would prevent over tightening, I don't really know why they disappeared to begin with?