electrical question

Jon B

I disconnect the battery cable each time I garage my car for any extended time, and lately I've discovered that almost every time I re-attach it, it is necessary to clean off the post and cable in order to get a good connection.



I recently picked up a small tube of 'dielectric grease', supposedly for preventing corrosion on electrical terminals. Should I apply this to the battery terminal and mating surface on the clamp, to keep it bright and shiny? Or will this somehow interfere with a good connection?



Also, what are peoples' thoughts on those little black and red felt battery washers -- useful, or snake-oil?

hudsontech

Dielectric grease, being specially made for electrical connections, should not interfere with a good connection. After all, for years we used vaseline with no problems.

I've bought batteries that came with the black and red felt washers - don't know what, if any, benefit, but my terminals didn't corrode. If anything it was a good quick reference to which terminal was positive and which was black - once I knew which terminal which washer was on.



Hudsonly,

Alex B

ESSX28-1

I was recommended by an older auto electrician to use a "battery stabilizer". This is a tiny adaptor (similar to a cordless phone charger) which puts out 250mA with a diode & fuse in circuit. This enables the car to be left for long periods without disconnecting the battery & without the battery going flat. Here in New Zealand the cost is approx US$30.00

ernie28

In addition to David's "battery stabiliser", I fitted an isolating switch on the rear engine cross member. It totally isolates the battery from all circuits. Each time I park up the car at night I switch this off. Have had no problems with it and it handles the high 6v amperage OK.

Two reasons I did this - safety, in case of an electrical short (fire) and secondly, security, as it is hidden from view the car cannot easily hotwired.

Paranoid maybe......but it is my pride and joy!

Alistair