Electrolysis?

jtloyd · 03-08-2012, 10:12 AM

Hey, I'm new here and I have an electrical problem with my 1988 DS Club Car. The lugs on my battery cables keep corroding until they fall off the battery terminals. Seems like electrolysis but I can't figure out why. Also, headlights stopped working but I have a feeling it stems from the same problem. Help??!!

bokeasmowl · 03-08-2012, 10:24 AM

Glue a penny between the terminals and all the corrosion will go to the penny. Why? I dunno, but it does.

jtloyd · 03-08-2012, 10:27 AM

On the plastic top of the battery?

scottyb · 03-08-2012, 10:34 AM

The corrosion on battery terminals and the colorful mushrooms that grow from it are caused by the acidic vapors released from the batteries during heavy charging.

Ridding the terminals of this corrosion is a constant battle. Remove all the cables and clean the cable ends & terminals with a wire wheel. Coat the battery terminal with corrosion inhibitor before and after installing the cables. Check that the battery water levels are not too high, this will cause excessive vapors.
Wet battery tops are an indication that the water levels are too high or that there is excessive gassing during recharging. (or both)
Also, older batteries tend to gas more during charging.

bokeasmowl · 03-08-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtloyd

On the plastic top of the battery?

Yes.

And also what Scottyb said as far as regular maintenance.

jtloyd · 03-08-2012, 11:24 AM

Thanks, guys. I've been cleaning and spraying as they fail and I replace but haven't done them all at once. Sounds like there's no "set it and forget it" on this one.

Brushpup · 03-08-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bokeasmowl

Glue a penny between the terminals and all the corrosion will go to the penny. Why? I dunno, but it does.

I would say because the penny becomes a sacrificial anode. They are used in many industrial applications.

With regard to all this I just found a company that makes caps to minimize vapors and mist exiting the battery during charging and use. They aren't meant to replace proper maintenance and filling practices, but seem very promising. They have flip caps for filling and checking levels as well. Not sure if its within forum rules to mention them, but I am seriously considering trying them. They are expensive though...starting at 3.77 each for standard height.

simple man · 03-08-2012, 05:35 PM

Make sure to only fill your batteries after you charge them. If they push out electrolyte it will eat anything metal it touches! I have also found that some of the terminal connectors are " copper clad ", not pure copper! The steel in them will corrode away in a heartbeat! It's also a good idea to clean your battery connectors every month or so. This will alleviate having high resistance connections which cause heat and even faster corrosion!

Grinch · 03-08-2012, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bokeasmowl

Glue a penny between the terminals and all the corrosion will go to the penny. Why? I dunno, but it does.

Google " galvanic corrosion".

03-08-2012, 10:12 AM	#1
jtloyd Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3	Electrolysis? Hey, I'm new here and I have an electrical problem with my 1988 DS Club Car. The lugs on my battery cables keep corroding until they fall off the battery terminals. Seems like electrolysis but I can't figure out why. Also, headlights stopped working but I have a feeling it stems from the same problem. Help??!!
jtloyd Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3

03-08-2012, 10:24 AM	#2
bokeasmowl friends call me Boke Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Smithfield, North Carolina Posts: 7,772	Re: Electrolysis? Glue a penny between the terminals and all the corrosion will go to the penny. Why? I dunno, but it does.

03-08-2012, 10:27 AM	#3
jtloyd Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Electrolysis? On the plastic top of the battery?
jtloyd Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3

03-08-2012, 10:34 AM	#4
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,419	Re: Electrolysis? The corrosion on battery terminals and the colorful mushrooms that grow from it are caused by the acidic vapors released from the batteries during heavy charging. Ridding the terminals of this corrosion is a constant battle. Remove all the cables and clean the cable ends & terminals with a wire wheel. Coat the battery terminal with corrosion inhibitor before and after installing the cables. Check that the battery water levels are not too high, this will cause excessive vapors. Wet battery tops are an indication that the water levels are too high or that there is excessive gassing during recharging. (or both) Also, older batteries tend to gas more during charging.

03-08-2012, 11:24 AM	#6
jtloyd Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3	Re: Electrolysis? Thanks, guys. I've been cleaning and spraying as they fail and I replace but haven't done them all at once. Sounds like there's no "set it and forget it" on this one.
jtloyd Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 3

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

03-08-2012, 05:35 PM	#8
simple man Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bunnell, Florida Posts: 2,408	Re: Electrolysis? Make sure to only fill your batteries after you charge them. If they push out electrolyte it will eat anything metal it touches! I have also found that some of the terminal connectors are " copper clad ", not pure copper! The steel in them will corrode away in a heartbeat! It's also a good idea to clean your battery connectors every month or so. This will alleviate having high resistance connections which cause heat and even faster corrosion!