[DML] Re: Weird use for ChapStick?

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Corrosion is caused by outgassing (hydrogen leaking from inside the
battery around the posts), not the outside world.

BTW: This is why manufacturers usually recommend you connect the
negative cable somewhere else on the block/vehicle when jump starting
a dead battery (to avoid a spark) -- as the Hindenberg demonstrated,
hydrogen is explosive.

The only long term solution for a leaking battery is to replace it.
Until then, keep the terminals clean (baking soda is a popular
"neutralizer," but I find brake cleaner works just as well). Corrosion
is not electrically conductive and will eventually insulate the
terminals from their connectors.

BTW: That is why I shy away from the various elixers people like to
slather all over their batteries. Usually whatever substance is used
(Chapstick?) is not electrically conductive. As it slowly oozes
between the terminal and connector, it will insulate it as surely as
corrosion would have.

Did you know that even dialectric grease loses its conductive
properties with time? It's a particular nemesis on vintage light
sockets. Fortunately brake cleaner cuts through old dialectic grease
as well as it cuts through battery corrosion.

One final thought on battery outgassing: Notice where DMC located our
batteries and electrical compartments. Corrosive hydrogen gas rises
straight up to the relays, fuses, etc. More quality engineering in motion.

Bill Robertson
#5939

>--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Farrar Hudkins <fhudkins@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, gang!
> 
> It doesn't apply to the DeLorean, but a friend of mine says he keeps
his 
> battery terminals from corroding in this high humidity environment by 
> putting ChapStick on them. Have any of you tried this? It seems weird 
> enough to work...
> 
> Farrar Hudkins
> #2613
>




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