Community Forums

blackhawkscp · 02-28-2020, 12:01 PM

Hi all,
I have a positive post on one of the six house batteries that needs cleaning. Is there any problem with just disconnecting that positive terminal to clean it without removing the negative and other parallel/series connections?
Thanks for your thoughts.
CP

R.Wold · 02-28-2020, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackhawkscp

Hi all,
I have a positive post on one of the six house batteries that needs cleaning. Is there any problem with just disconnecting that positive terminal to clean it without removing the negative and other parallel/series connections?
Thanks for your thoughts.
CP

No problem at all as long as you’re careful with the cable end. It will be hot with a lot of amps so touching it to anything grounded will result in unintentional arc welding. From a overly cautions safety perspective, the compartment should be well ventilated before risking any sparking to avoid the possibility of igniting gases emitted from the batteries, but that is an extremely remote possibility. Other than that, no issues.

twinboat · 02-28-2020, 02:00 PM

Turn off all charging sources to minimize sparks and gasing.

Clean every cable end, even if one at a time. Corrosion can be hidden.

lwmcguire · 02-28-2020, 02:10 PM

Anytime I work with a live cable I stick the removed end into an insulated cover and put a small bungee to keep it on

Then you can fasten it out of the way not worrying about sparks

MSHappyCampers · 02-28-2020, 02:14 PM

Why don't you just mix a very strong mixture of baking soda and water and pour it on the terminal? It will dissolve the corrosion. You can do that several times, waiting for the corrosion to dissolve and using a water hose to rinse it off. When it it totally clean then let it dry and spray the terminal with ignition sealer (several coats).

R.Wold · 02-28-2020, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Why don't you just mix a very strong mixture of baking soda and water and pour it on the terminal? It will dissolve the corrosion. You can do that several times, waiting for the corrosion to dissolve and using a water hose to rinse it off. When it it totally clean then let it dry and spray the terminal with ignition sealer (several coats).

When you have enough corrosion to get your attention, it’s a good idea to inspect the inside of the connections, not just the external appearance, and while you have the cable off inspect the first few inches of the cable itself to see if corrosion is “growing” under the insulation. But if it’s minor, I agree, the baking soda/water clean-up is good maintenance and easy. Just depends on how bad the corrosion is.

blackhawkscp · 02-28-2020, 02:50 PM

Thanks everybody!
Your thoughts are truly appreciated.
Safe travels to all.
CP

Arch Hoagland · 02-28-2020, 03:11 PM

Remove the cable and stick the end in a zip lock bag, then put a rubber band around it to keep it sealed.

FatChance · 02-28-2020, 06:27 PM

Why not just remove the ground cable? It only takes one minute, at most. Is there any reason not to?

96 Wideglide · 02-28-2020, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

Why not just remove the ground cable? It only takes one minute, at most. Is there any reason not to?

+1. Clean both up!

Unplanned Tourist · 02-28-2020, 07:07 PM

Just for the heck of it, take about 2 quarts of boiling water and slowly pour over the corrosion.

You will be surprised.

Happy Glamping.

Piros1 · 02-28-2020, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackhawkscp

Hi all,

I have a positive post on one of the six house batteries that needs cleaning. Is there any problem with just disconnecting that positive terminal to clean it without removing the negative and other parallel/series connections?

Thanks for your thoughts.

CP

Not exactly sure what your coach is but you should have a master disconnect for your batteries, turn that off first then go as Twin Boat said. Carefully clean both the battery terminals and the cable ends. Sometimes you can spray the tops of the batteries with vinegar and pour backing soda over them first. This will bubble up and help to break down the oxidation. You can also get an aerosol battery cleaner at most auto parts stores that you can use instead of the above. After it gets done bumbling up hose it off, wire brush the terminals and hose again. Then you can remove each post and clean the post and the inside of the cable ends. Make sure they are clean. I found that the anti-corrosion sprays work pretty good. After you have it all cleaned and back together and dry you can spray the corrosion inhibitor on all the terminals, top and all sides. This will help prevent future corrosion. Also periodically hose your batteries off, this will help too.

imnprsd · 02-28-2020, 10:10 PM

I heard you can add mineral oil to each cell to slow down the out-gassing and so you don't need to replenish the water as often. Is this true?

Who has done this and would recommend it?

Each cell is 2v so on a 6 volt battery you would need 12oz.

I have 4-GC2-6V batteries so I would need 48 oz of mineral oil... if this works?

Is there any downside to doing this?

R.Wold · 02-28-2020, 10:50 PM

Never heard that and wouldn’t put in anything but distilled water. Might be ok, but I also never had an off-gassing problem.

Here’s an interesting note on the subject:

https://www.thermoil.com/battery-de-...s-mineral-oil/

There’s lots more but this one seems to indicate that it’s not a good idea. Im sure plenty will say it is.