Battery Installation Advice

[cptaylor]

Buying new batteries. Any tips before installing? Looking for feedback on, say, corrosion protection on the terminals and wires. Use locking washers or not?

I've tried the red and green felt pads on my other vehicles....not impressed in the least.
I've heard of using WD40, not sure about that.
I've used typical axle grease before, works well.
I've also used dielectric grease...

What does everyone else do?

[Sir Nuke]

either use dielectric grease or you can use Vaseline, which works well and its CHEAP!

[simple man]

I use " CRC battery protector ". Most auto parts stores will have it. It works great for me! It also will soak into the cable wire ( if you have open ended terminals ) and seal them.
I wouldn't use lockwashers on battery connections. They will create a high resistance connection and the split in them will allow corrosion to start easier. :)

[JohnnieB]

Battery stud terminals are simply Hex-head bolts with the head imbedded in the lead post, so don't over-tighten. 10 Ft/Lb is max torque.

When more than one cable is attached to a battery terminal, stacking order is important. The highest current cable goes on first.

Even if vendor assures you the batteries are fully charged, charge them after they are installed and prior to first use.
Note: The initial charge may take up to 12 hour or longer.

Then break them in properly to obtain maximum storage capacity.
Here is how: http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Batter...n_Methods.html

Whatever terminal protectorate you use, don't forget the underside of the cable lugs.
I warm Vaseline in the sun or microwave and paint it on with a short bristled brush.

[kantuckian]

Good info

[ab46501]

Originally Posted by simple man

I wouldn't use lockwashers on battery connections. They will create a high resistance connection and the split in them will allow corrosion to start easier. :)

Not saying you are wrong just curious here.

I never heard this before about high resistance in lock washers? Why would they have/cause any more resistance than the nut?

[JohnnieB]

Just speculating.
Is 10 ft/lb of torque on the nut sufficient to completely flatten a lock washer?
If not, it is a about an inch long piece of steel rather than a piece of steel 1/32 (or so) thick.

[yurtle]

Just my opinion, but why introduce another "variable" into the equation? I have a SS nut that hugs my lug quite tightly.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally Posted by yurtle

Just my opinion, but why introduce another "variable" into the equation? I have a SS nut that hugs my lug quite tightly.

I do too, actually I got extra HD SS nuts, so they have a larger surface area, and check them on a regular basis like all the other connections.

[ab46501]

Well I went with SS nuts and SS lock washers. The trails I am on are very bumpy and I thought it would be extra security. I have never had a problem with a battery connection coming loose. I was just wondering what difference a washer would make in electrical conductivity?