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Old 05-09-2011, 03:31 PM   #1
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Green fuzz on positive battery terminal

I just checked my sealed batteries inside the motorhome (three 140Ah in Parallel) and noticed green fuzz around one positive terminal. Question: Does this mean that the battery has a crack in it? If so, is there a way to check for leaks? Again, this is inside the rig, under a seat and has me VERY concerned. Thanks for any help.
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Old 05-09-2011, 03:36 PM   #2
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When you say "green fuzz", it's not a battery terminal protector felt washer like the ones pictured below is it?



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Old 05-09-2011, 03:47 PM   #3
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Discription of green fuzz

I don't have the felt pads on my terminals. The "Green Fuzz" is more like bits of small flakey bits of powder stacked around, and on top of, the terminal.
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Old 05-09-2011, 03:55 PM   #4
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I don't have the felt pads on my terminals. The "Green Fuzz" is more like bits of small flakey bits of powder stacked around, and on top of, the terminal.
More like this, then?

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Old 05-09-2011, 04:17 PM   #5
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Pictures of fuzz

Here is my little pile of fuzz.Click image for larger version

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Click image for larger version

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Old 05-09-2011, 04:24 PM   #6
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That's common corrosion. Don't get it on you, your hands, your eyes, or your clothes. Remove the wires, clean them, and clean up the corrosion. It's typical maintenance on batteries.

edit: you can add those green felt washers shown above. They help reduce the corrosion.
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Old 05-09-2011, 04:31 PM   #7
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That's common corrosion. Don't get it on you, your hands, your eyes, or your clothes. Remove the wires, clean them, and clean up the corrosion. It's typical maintenance on batteries.

edit: you can add those green felt washers shown above. They help reduce the corrosion.
Feeling better already. Do you you happen to know what causes the corrosion; Loose connection? Cracked battery? Thanks for your help.
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Old 05-09-2011, 05:08 PM   #8
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that is normal oxidation caused by the acid in the battery no leaks or cracks it just happens. Use baking soda and water to clean it as it nutralizes the acid
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Old 05-09-2011, 05:12 PM   #9
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Phew! Thanks folks, it's cocktail hour, and today I'll have something legitimate to celebrate.
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Old 05-09-2011, 05:17 PM   #10
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Phew! Thanks folks, it's cocktail hour, and today I'll have something legitimate to celebrate.
Pour one for me also please
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Old 05-09-2011, 06:37 PM   #11
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You can cover the terminals with protective gel available at most auto parts stores. Vaseline is just as effective.
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Old 05-09-2011, 06:43 PM   #12
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I've used vasoline and it does work well. Baking soda will neutralize the acid, but make positive sure it doesn't get into the battery. It will neutralize some of the acid in the battery as well. I think the fuzz is caused by galvanic action. Its where two dissimilar metals come in contact. It'll happen in non-lead batteries too.
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Old 05-09-2011, 06:48 PM   #13
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Quote:
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I think the fuzz is caused by galvanic action. Its where two dissimilar metals come in contact. It'll happen in non-lead batteries too.
You hit it square Sam.
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