Car battery question

[wshytle]

This is actually on my '97 Ranger but my question is...is it OK to use di-electric grease on battery terminals? Also, the positive is an aftermarket terminal with the two small bolts to tighten a clamp. I have two multi-strand cables going to the terminal. Should I solder them together for starters and can I use the di-electric grease for a better contact as well as for corrosion control? The corrosion so far is only at the terminal clamp bolt and not at the ends of the cable. The cables appear OK.

Any input . . .Please!

TIA

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[eford]

I've only used the spray on battery sealer. You could slather it on after you mount and get similar coating I guess. I still have that clamp style on my 08 f150, no problems. Soldering would ensure a good connection

 

[eford]

Battery terminal sealer, in a spray can found by the replacement terminals. I misread your post, soldering is not necessary if you tight correctly. I don't think the die electric grease would gain anything

 

[lhinds]

Wayne I have found that di-electric is great for making a battery connection if everything is cleaned well. I do use the spray sealer after the connection is made but #1 is clean clean.

 

[wshytle]

Thanks for all of the input guys. I've never actually used the spray but think it's time to give it a try. The di-electric grease use was my main concern here. I've never used it on battery posts. I have heard of putting regular grease on the posts to control the buildup of corrosion.

Has anyone ever heard of taping a penny on top of the battery to act as a sacrificial "bypass" for the corrosion? It's suppose to keep the posts clean(er).

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[eford]

Yes, I saw it in use on about a 48 Chrysler that was in a shed for 20 ish years and heard from some old timers about it. I don't know if it really works

 

[wshytle]

Earl-

It's funny you mention a '48 Chrysler. I owned a '48 Chrysler Windsor back when I was in the service. It was one BIG automobile. My buddies and I had a good time just driving it around. I ended up selling it for $150 because it had an electrical problem (probably needed a penny on the battery) and would shut down at any time day or night. I'd sure love to have it today but that's one of those hind sight things we all regret.

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[digger]

I use dielectric grease on EVERYTHING I own that has an electrical connection of any type!
And have for years!

 

[mfrade]

I get copper bolts at the marine supply store near me. I've got a set on the 73 and they've been there for years.

It's been my experience that dielectric grease is an insulator, not a conductor... but, if it works?? keep going!

 

[digger]

I guess I should have been more specific.
There are many special versions of dielectric greases out there and some are specifically designed for electrical connections.
The standard silicone based versions are NOT for terminals and the like, but there many good ones for electrical connections.
They are great for electrical connections to protect wiring from salt, dirt and corrosion.
It also protects from voltage leakage and arching, especially on HID ignition systems.

It's also known as Dielectric Tune-Up Grease.

All that coming from a guy that uses snake oil and only changes the oil in any vehicle I own every 50 or 60,000 miles too, LOL

The old 99 Tahoe I lost in the fire had 324,000 miles on it and only had the oil changed 4 times in the 14 years I owned it.

 

[eford]

I never figured there were different types of dielectric grease. I don't remember the model, but I fiddled with the wires just right and had it turn over and even start! Cool car, I I didn't have $8000 at the time. Man I learn a lot here

 

[digger]

I'd never Googled it before, but this guy seems to have the best explanation.
CLICK HERE

 

[wshytle]

Thanks for the input Charlie. That write-up was very informative.

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