Posted by Traveler on December 22, 00 at 11:48:55:
In Reply to: Sub Battery Life???? posted by Shiny on Top on December 22, 00 at 07:49:45:
GM Cars with the side terminal batteries have a BIG problem.
Here is the scenario: The + terminal on the battery becomes a bit resistive from temp cycling, squish of the lead spacer, and oxidation. + terminal resistance heats, cracking the battery case slightly. Small acid leak wreaks havoc with terminal corrosion, even though they look OK outside.
Owner finds the corrosion, cleans, and 1 of 2 things happen: 1.) same battery used; leak causes corrosion inside 6 months; same problem repeats. 2.) New battery installed, terminals cleaned but not modified: acid trapped in red rubber boot over terminal lugs causes corrosion to continue. 6 months later, + terminal is resistive and heats up again. New battery has + terminal area cracked and develops acid leak. Same problem.
I put in an Optima battery and it was high enough quality it didn't leak, but the heat was enough to start melting the yellow plastic on the top.
The Fix: Get out diagonal cutters and cut off the rubber surrounding the terminal lugs. You can leave a stub at the end of the cable, as long as the lug or eyelet is fully exposed. You can replace the lead spacer slug with brass washers, or just clean it up with sandpaper. Clean lugs with wire brush & baking soda solution. Replace the fastening bolt if it is corroded. You can discard the spacer and use a shorter bolt. Check that the bolt isn't bottoming in the battery and not clamping the lug stack.
When finished, coat with protectant like Boeshield T-9 spray (from marine stores).