RE: [T3] generator or battery (GO OPTIMA!)

["Jim Adney" <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 28 Jan 2002, at 7:54, Erkson, Toby wrote:

> The previous, standard battery had a leak around the positive
> terminal and it ALWAYS has the pretty green and white corrosion plants
> growing on both terminals.

Battery terminal corrosion is a common problem because this is a weak 
point in battery construction. It is common for people, especially 
"mechanics" in places that sell batteries, to hammer the terminals on. This 
inevitably breaks the bond between the polyethylene battery case and the 
lead terminal. Acid will then seep up this open crack and cause corrosion 
and there is nothing you can do to re-seal it.  

The solution is to install a new battery yourself. Don't let anyone else do it for 
you. Get a NEW good quality battery, untouched by grease monkey hands. 
Use a screwdriver to spread the battery clamps so they will slide all the way 
down on the terminals without pounding and then gently tighten them onto 
the posts. Be careful to apply as little torque to the post itself as you can.  

If you install your battery carefully, it will not seep and the terminal will not 
corrode, but a little grease or vasoline there will help also. It's important to 
keep corrosion off your terminals, because our battery cables are very good 
and good quality replacements are not available.  

A standard battery carefully installed will never cause corrosion at the 
terminal, even after years of use.

-
Jim Adney
jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, WI 53711-3054
USA

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