How to stop corrosion on battery terminals...

[Hoffer]

Any tips on how to stop the corrosion on the battery terminals?? I like to keep my on-board charger on trickle charge - and sometimes it gets to be up to 2 weeks before I can use my boat. usually I get corrosion on the terminals and leads. I have to take them off and use a wire brush etc...to remove the corrosion. Except for removing the leads between use - is there any way to prevent this?? Maybe spraying with WD40 or something....thanks for any help/tips.

[Leader]

applying a heavy coat of bearing grease to the cable connections and the battery posts will take care of your problem.

[Hoffer]

Thanks! Just checking though -that wont interfere with the electrical connection?? Just use the same grease as I shoot into the bearing buddies?

[upnorth]

It actually helps as conductor.

[Moose-Hunter]

Ahhh...No. Although that may waterproof your connections, and cause a good mess, it does nothing for the corrosion. The grease you need is called dielectric(sp?) grease. This goo is specifically made to protect electrical connections. I use in in all my trailer, battery, and plow connections. Use it year round for the best protection.

[musky hunter]

I'm with Moose Hunter. There is a special battery goop just for corrosion proofing terminals, you can get it at most automotive and battery stores. I've got some, it's red in color. Been around for years, it just works.

[Leader]

your welcome Hoffer.

40 years ago there was no such thing as dielectric grease,and all the oldtimers used grease or vaseline for better connections and to prevent corrosion.

all are a form of petroleum jelly.

Vaseline is also used cuz it's pure petroeum jelly.

all work well in keeping oxygen from getting at lead electrical connections which cause corrosion, also promotes a better conduction of electrical through the connections.

the only difference is dielectric grease containes silicone which has been found to cause problems in humans.

i recommended grease cuz almost everyone has it in the garage, and most don't have to go out and purchase specalized products.

it's proven itself over the test of time and works great.

good luck with fixing a plauging problematic issue that has existed since the evolution of the lead electrical connection.

[Hoffer]

Thanks a ton! I may just try the dielectric goop - just because I have to go the hardware store anyway tomorrow. I am sure this will help - and you guys are great.

[Gissert]

Dow Corning DC4 Dielectric works great.

We use it on aircraft applications where corrosion is a real concern. This is some great stuff!