Battery Corrosion Problem, any guesses?

Divebmbr48

2003 Club Car DS IQ 48V, Trojan T-875

I was inspecting my batteries today after I have been gone for about 2 weeks and found corrosion on the front left battery ( I believe it's number 5), Positive terminal, and around the nut of the tie down bar. The cable end was eaten thru, so this must have been going on for some time now, and i didn't catch it until there was physical signs. I sprayed leak detect and neutralizer and there were signs of acid around that terminal. Can a battery leak from the terminal? and if so how can it be stopped, if it can be? Or is it normal?

They are Trojan T-875 8V, a little over a year old. I always keep them on the charger and the water levels have been checked regularly. I have had the cart since FEB and they have never needed to be watered. Water has never been below plates before or after charge.

When I bought the cart I read the Club Car charging guide, Trojans how-to's on their web site, and have downloaded the battery guide here. Am I missing something? I have seen a few small pieces of dried grass floating in a couple, but I can't be the only one who has seen that.

Any idea where to pick up a cheap cable for now until I rectify the situation and start upgrading controller and cables. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

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	battery2.jpg (208.4 KB, 0 views)

BGW

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optikid

you might be filling them up to high.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Awg-Custom...70925944729%26
i just bought these and the are great.

Divebmbr48

Thanks for the link. I've never filled them. The water is just below the bottom of the filling tunnel, if thats what you would call it and covering the plates. so its a good .5-.7" from the opening.

Divebmbr48

Well, from reading on ScottyB's website, charging batteries vents gases and corrodes ends, so I hope that is all my problem is. I just don't know why that one nut has corrosion on it. Perhaps the cart is sagging that way and any acid that vents rolls that way.

Divebmbr48

I'm sorry for continuing to add to my own post. But, if I do a replace all the cables all the way to the controller, how do you get the Negative, ground cable through that how behind the batteries, without using a crimp style?

simple man

Yes, the terminal can leak through the case. Is there any warranty left on your batteries? No, Ok clean all the crud off with plain water and a stiff brush. Let it dry and use a small amount of RTV sealer around where the post goes through the battery. Clean off where the cable terminal actually touches the battery post to bright metal. Don't use automotive starter cables on your cart! The terminal ends will corrode to nothing in a very short period of time! A lot of them are also " copper clad ", this meaning a steel connector with an insignificant copper coating. They will get hot on a cart and possibly melt your battery post! You need to have all copper parts on your cables! Cables can be bought from several of the site sponsors here!

Divebmbr48

Thanks for the advise. I will go and grab some RTV tonight. I'll post my results. Thanks.

erict

You are just talking about the battery cables and not an accessory wire connected to a battery post with an eyelet style end, correct?

gornoman

Corrosion happens on all electric carts, except mine (more info on this would lead folks to consider me anal as far as maintenance goes, LOL). You should start with high quality cables and lugs, a thorough cleaning-neutralization-rinse, followed by assembly and a protective coating. I use the red stuff in a spray can, but I spray it into the cap and apply it with a 1/2" paint brush so it's nice and neat (there's that anal thing again...). There is no definitive reason why some terminals/hold-downs corrode, and some don't.

Divebmbr48

I was talking about just the battery cable. I cleaned, neutralized and then sprayed protectant. I am going to order new cables after I see how that goes. And if tu prob returns I'll try the RTV. SIMPLAN. Is there. Specific type of RTV to use. Is NAPA gasket RTV ok?