H3T This caught me by surprise...

[Mr_Rich]

My truck was running good; there was no reason to suspect any problems. I park on a sloped driveway so I don't generally check my oil unless I'm parked on a flat surface. I don't generally worry about my oil level until I get four or five thousand road miles since the last change. This hit me by surprise since I was all packed up and ready to leave town. I stopped at the ATM and the next thing I know; the truck won't start. The positive battery clamp could be pulled off by hand. No doubt this thing is done. I wiggled it around, got the truck started, and nursed it back home and parked it.

 

[kilroy]

Chances are good it could be cleaned up and work like new but it's a great time to take the extra step an install better terminals right? BTW is that the engine block heater cord I see? Sure coulda used one of those here last winter, the I-5 seems to dislike -30deg. as much as I do.Lol

 

[chaos254]

Definitely time for an upgrade. I have new terminals waiting to go on mine, common issue with our trucks

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

why new terminals? clean it and forgetaboutit

unless the corrosion goes into the wire (where you can't hit it with baking soda and water) - there's no reason to waste money on a new terminal.... really, it isn't terminal (get it, a pun :giggle I crack myself up

 

[Best4x4]

I've also heard Coke is good at removing that crap. Also running a sealed battery will prevent that from happening since the battery doesn't vent out which is what mainly causes that.

 

[SedonaBound]

A coating of dielectric grease on the terminals after cleaning thoroughly will slow it down, but I think some vehicles are just prone to generate battery oxidation more than others.

 

[citiboy]

I replaced my battery terminals just last week.

http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?8134-Replaced-battery-terminals

 

[cgalpha08]

Wowzers!!

 

[LoJac963]

hit it with baking soda and water

This!

My wifes Jeep Liberty looked similar which I haven't seen it that bad in a long time, from back when I regularly worked on small block chevy's. I cleaned it with baking soda and water, cleaned it in one pitcher of the mixture. Put an old school battery pad on the terminal and sprayed it with protector.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I've also heard Coke is good at removing that crap. Also running a sealed battery will prevent that from happening since the battery doesn't vent out which is what mainly causes that.

coke works okay, also great for attracting ants....

seal batteries still have vents - it's why the NHRA requires a battery box for them as well in your trunk. Gel filled vent less, but even they do outgass a bit.

 

[Xlr8n]

The large amount of corrosion is largely due to excessive amounts of gases escaping between the battery case and positive post. New terminals won't do much to prevent it unless you slather some grease on it as suggested, or replace the battery.

 

[RamRod]

looks like you had a battery squirrel building a nest in your terminal!

 

[Mr_Rich]

why new terminals? clean it and forgetaboutit

unless the corrosion goes into the wire (where you can't hit it with baking soda and water) - there's no reason to waste money on a new terminal.... really, it isn't terminal (get it, a pun :giggle I crack myself up

The terminal/ positive cable clamp is FUBAR. The M6 nut is unrecognizable and the plating was dissolved away. The battery cable harness retails for over $400, and less on-line. The battery is five years old and has lasted this long but it's time for replacement. Our H3(T)'s have an uncommon size of battery that's not carried in a lot of auto parts stores. Considering the jarring, bouncing nature of an off road vehicle I prefer an AGM battery over a typical lead-acid type. New battery, cut the Pos. and Neg. clamps over the harness and replace with new terms. That's my plan.

 

[Mr_Rich]

I'll add that I never had a problem like this with the GM side-terminals in my vehicles so equipped. The battery case actually cracked and leaked acid in my '98 Firebird. After cleaning up and repairing the acid damage I installed an Optima battery and that's what I prefer to use.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

The terminal/ positive cable clamp is FUBAR. The M6 nut is unrecognizable and the plating was dissolved away. The battery cable harness retails for over $400, and less on-line. The battery is five years old and has lasted this long but it's time for replacement. Our H3(T)'s have an uncommon size of battery that's not carried in a lot of auto parts stores. Considering the jarring, bouncing nature of an off road vehicle I prefer an AGM battery over a typical lead-acid type. New battery, cut the Pos. and Neg. clamps over the harness and replace with new terms. That's my plan.

would be a great time to upgrade to dual batteries... just sayin'

 

[derian06]

would be a great time to upgrade to dual batteries... just sayin'

How does one accomplish this?


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[SuperBuickGuy]

How does one accomplish this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?5816-Search-and-Rescue-H3-Alpha-build/page14
start with post #207

 

[Can007]

I vote dual battery as well! Might as well spend a little more and still keep your current battery and have the ultimate setup

 

[derian06]

http://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?5816-Search-and-Rescue-H3-Alpha-build/page14
start with post #207

This is going to happen, dual batteries here I come.


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[Mr_Rich]

I finally fixed my battery terminals to my satisfaction. These terms were bought at a local electronics store and they're US made along with the copper cable ends. I chose to go with a Model 25 Optima battery rather than the standard lead-acid type. The cable ends were kind of difficult. I finally managed to crimp them onto the cable ends with a compound levered plier that is used to crimp coax cable. I think I made a strong connection that will hold up. I decided against dual batteries in this truck because it takes quite a bit of work/ modification to make that happen. I have dual batteries in my K1500. Those were all factory parts that were very easy to add on that particular vehicle.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

looks nice, I went with that battery first but I also run air compressors, lights, HAM radios and such - and having a second battery handling that load has already saved by bacon.

 

[mantracker]

When I upgraded to dual batteries, I cut off the stock terminals and replaced them with the military terminals. You can get them at a Napa store. Also get the battery terminal spray (CRC) in the red can. O'reilly's has it. The military terminals are second to none. That's why the military uses them. Also makes it easy to add extra connections directly to the battery, like heavy winch cables.