battery connections

[blufrog1]

I have noticed some corrosion on my battery posts and want to clean them. I don't have any dielectric grease to put on them when I am done and was wondering if vaseline would work to help keep them clean in the future?

[007matman]

Corrosion is typically caused by something.. either poor connection, bad battery, or a poorly performing alternator.

I'd find out what you have going on there and address the issue.

[boondocking]

Yes, vaseline will work just fine on the posts.

[FollowTheSun]

Originally Posted by blufrog1

I have noticed some corrosion on my battery posts and want to clean them. I don't have any dielectric grease to put on them when I am done and was wondering if vaseline would work to help keep them clean in the future?

Quick answer: Yes. ... You can use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) as temporary protection to impair terminal (DC electrical connections) oxidation and to impede moisture contamination.
Better answer: Okay for short-term use, but probably not necessary. Mostly useful as an improvised temporary moisture-impediment-fix on DC electrical connections. Petroleum jelly is flammable, so there may be some flame risk associated with battery terminals. Petroleum jelly also migrates with elevated temperature and allows movement of contaminates within its solution (so it eventually needs to be removed).
As you already know, dielectric silicon is better (much better). However as 007matman already noted ... corrosion is a symptom of other things going on. Generally, battery post corrosion results from the way hydrogen gas released from the battery reacts with ambient conditions. Corrosion on positive terminal is usually indicative of overcharging; whereas corrosion on the negative terminal normally relates to undercharging conditions.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by FollowTheSun

Quick answer: Yes. ... You can use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) as temporary protection to impair terminal (DC electrical connections) oxidation and to impede moisture contamination.
Better answer: Okay for short-term use, but probably not necessary. Mostly useful as an improvised temporary moisture-impediment-fix on DC electrical connections. Petroleum jelly is flammable, so there may be some flame risk associated with battery terminals. Petroleum jelly also migrates with elevated temperature and allows movement of contaminates within its solution (so it eventually needs to be removed).
As you already know, dielectric silicon is better (much better). However as 007matman already noted ... corrosion is a symptom of other things going on. Generally, battery post corrosion results from the way hydrogen gas released from the battery reacts with ambient conditions. Corrosion on positive terminal is usually indicative of overcharging; whereas corrosion on the negative terminal normally relates to undercharging conditions.

Corrosion around battery terminals can also indicate a compromised seal where the post passes through the case. Common causes are improper use of tools while tightening terminals, using lifting tools that lift by the post, and insufficient slack in cables that put strain on posts. Doesn't take much movement to allow gas/vapor to escape around post and allow corrosion.

[rockfordroo]

You can buy a small packet of dielectric grease at just about any auto parts store. $1.50.



https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...lectric+grease

[blufrog1]

Turns out corrosion appears to be caused by a too short cable pulled tight. Replaced cable with one 2 inches longer, cleaned and greased all connections with dielectric grease and put it back to gether. Now time will tell. Thanks for all comments and suggestions.