There are various "snake oil" remedies, but an examination of the basic
problem, that of corrosion on the terminals, will reveal that an essential
ingredient for this to happen is oxygen. Anything that prevents O2 from
coming in contact with the area will stop this. I put a few drops of good
ol' SAE-30 on 'em twice a year and have no problems. You can spend $$$ for
snake oil, or just do this when you do your twice a year oil can lube of
your door hinges. ( You DO do this, don't you) ?
Chuck
'83 Westy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Mulligan" <mulligan_kevin@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 10:54 AM
Subject: Main Battery Installation: Grease or Coat Terminals?

> I've got a new Interstate battery to install as the
> main battery in my 90 camper and am wondering if I
> should do anything to the terminals other than hook
> them up to the battery leads.
>
> Stupid question, I know, but in the past I've seen
> batteries that 1) had their terminals greased
> (Vaseline?), 2) had the connection spray-coated with
> some sort of clear lacquer-like substance (I even
> bought some of this stuff once, but was later told it
> would do more harm than good), and 3) had no grease or
> coating, but simply a felt washer placed on the
> terminals before connecting the battery leads.
>
> Any opinions on this? I assume all these techniques
> are aimed at preventing corrosion to the battery
> leads. I've cleaned out the battery compartment and
> even touched up some minor surface rust; otherwise
> everything else looks good to go.
>
> - Kevin
>
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