Battery corrosion

[98RedGTS]

Saw this when disconnecting my battery to remove the alternator as part of the timing chain gasket process. I drive the car a couple times a month normally with exception of it sitting the past 4 months waiting on parts to fix my leak. I keep it on a maintainer when not in use.

What could cause this to be so bad and anything I can do to prevent it? Wire is basically welded on so going to have to replace it and battery so would like to take steps to prevent this. I've had minor corrosion on other cars but never this bad nor on a side post battery.

Picture bellow is after hitting it with a wire brush and even chipping some off with the end of a screw driver. Fortunately I found it before it stranded me.

20210911_153340.jpg

[Roller]

Use battery terminal grease on your new battery.

[dave6666]

That's a very odd looking battery. What brand or kind is it?

The terminals, or lugs, are not welded to the battery cable typically. Soldering, mechanical crimping, or cast in place are common attachment methods. You can easily repair that lug but your repair method will be dictated by what tools and equipment you have. I have a very large pair of v-head die crimpers for battery cables. They make a clean joint and then you heat shrink over that. If you choose not to replace that lug, pull the bolt out (replace it too) and clean the snot out of the lug being sure to get up under the molded on plastic insulator. Use a metal pick. Then soak it in a baking soda solution as a final step. It does not look that bad but a good cleaning is in order to really make that call.

https://www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Lug-Cri.../dp/B00HJYY5GA

Terminal corrosion is commonly cause by either electrolyte seepage through the case seals, or even just internal gasses that combine with moisture outside the battery case. People say well how can moisture be an issue I don't hose that area or drive in the rain or...? Humidity is all it takes. The best way to prevent that is 1) ensure you are using a good quality battery, and 2) protect the terminal from moisture. There are greases and aerosols that do that. I use CRC Battery Terminal Protector on my GTS. Spray it on after the connection is made. It works even with the snap-on covers removed which in my case is due to the extended bolts that I need for my stereo amp connection.

Attachment 49068

For batteries my personal choice is Duralast Gold. I use them in all of my vehicles. Can't remember the last time I had any terminal corrosion with one.

Here is what my battery looks like minus the snap-on covers and hosed with the CRC product. It has a red hue to it so you can see where you're putting it on. Should compliment your red car which is the fastest color Viper ever made.

Attachment 49069

[98RedGTS]

It's a 3 year old red top optima battery.

It's not actually welded but the corrosion is so bad I can't get the lug off. Maybe once I get it off the car I'll be able to tackle it better.

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely use it on the replacement or this one if I can ultimately get the cable off.