Battery terminal corrosion

[Frankb]

Can anyone tell me what causes this? I replaced all battery cables and terminal posts about 3 years ago. Within last 12 months cleaned and lubed cable ends.
Batteries are Mopar and correct for the truck.
2007 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins.
Truck sits for months sometimes. Usually just use for trailer and cross country trips. Very little around town stuff.
In Tucson AZ so hot in summer but very little moisture.
Why only one terminal??

 

[kiwigtx]

Mixed metals - copper, lead, tinned copper.....and spillages of sulphuric acid all reacting with each other.

Don't overfill your cells and keep the battery top clean and dry.

 

[turbine68rt]

How old is the battery? I had a similar problem with the positive terminal until I replaced the battery. Hasn't happened since then.

 

[Bird 426]

I think that you need to get away from a lead acid battery. Your elctrolite is weeping out of the vents. Guess that can be from over filling the cells. Acid level should not be above just touching the bottom of cell ring. I have 4 of them in my motorhome and have never had that happen.

 

[AR67GTX]

It seems I read something a few years ago that corrosion buildup on a battery terminal tells you something about your charging system. If the alternator is weak the neg terminal will corrode and if it’s over-charging the pos one will corrode up. I read it on the internet so you have to consider that.

 

[Don Frelier]

The felt washers soaked in wheel bearing grease.
If it still corrodes it's heat or over charging.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

Replace it with a gel battery. Problem solved.

 

[dadsbee]

Look at that acid stain on top. Overfilled, overcharging or both. Add that acid to the multiple connectors, lead terminal, steel hardware and that's what you get.

 

[GTX JOHN]

You will laugh...... I have cleaned the
corrosion with small amount of Pepsi Soda Pop
for last 50 years.


Yes = I am old school!

 

[RR Fan Dan]

You will laugh...... I have cleaned the
corrosion with small amount of Pepsi Soda Pop
for last 50 years.


Yes = I am old school!

Baking soda and water works good too.

 

[GTX JOHN]

I agree but I never have any Baking Soda around
the shop. Plenty of Diet Pepsi!

 

[RR Fan Dan]

I agree but I never have any Baking Soda around
the shop. Plenty of Diet Pepsi!

 

[Frankb]

I looked at my paperwork and batteries new in 2022. I did the cables in 2023. Never added water to batteries. What I don't get is why only one terminal. Coke works good on this too - the kind you drink. I like agm batteries and at next replacement will do that. Thanks fellas
Frank

 

[440 4 speed]

I agree but I never have any Baking Soda around
the shop. Plenty of Diet Pepsi!

Let us know how diet works compared to coke?

 

[GTX JOHN]

At my age and size, it works much better!

 

[AR67GTX]

I’ve found that a shot of WD40 usually cleans up the battery leakage and corrosion on AA and AAA battery lights, radios, instruments, etc. Might work on 12 volt battery terminal corrosion too.

 

[twecomm]

More info ... What Causes a Sulfated Battery

 

[Detective D]

As many others have said, there may be a cause rooted in over charging or otherwise.
For general PM, clean them all up very well. Put one of those oil soaked felt washers over the post before you clamp cable on. Once the cable is on, put some grease or one of the spray products over the top of the assembly. Don't put it on the post before the assembly, most products reduce connectivity. But sealing them up after helps.