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 Post subject: Battery Corrosion 350Z
PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2020 1:55 pm 
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:55 pm
Posts: 83
Location: Westport, CT
Opened the battery box to access an 6 year old battery that was due for replacement and found a large amount of white/green corrosion on the positive terminal. Negative terminal clean. The charge gauge indicates a normal 14.1 volt charge. By default the "CHARGE" warning light should come on if there is an over-charge OR under-charge. It doesn't.
Hence, I assumed it was the fault of an old (leaking acid vapor?) battery and replaced it. Corrosion was confined to the battery positive terminal and link. Nothing under or around the battery.
Six months later, I was surprised to find that the same corrosion is starting on the positive terminal.
A mechanic told me that this is common on many Nissan models. Really??
Any ideas, please......

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1980 280ZX 2+2
2003 350z Touring
2005 350Z Touring - Silverstone Gray
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 13, 2020 6:44 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:53 pm
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Location: CT
Corrosion on positive lead/acid battery terminals is the norm, unless the post is treated with some chemical preventative like vaseline. Positive post corrosion is a simple chemical reaction which happens slowly, due to hydrogen molecules (which are formed when sulphuric acid contacts lead plates) flow to the positive contacts of the battery.

A simple solution of baking powder and water, scrubbed on with a toothbrush, will dissolve it quickly. Breathing it while you scrub can irritate your lungs a little, and splashing it in your eyes will spoil your whole hour.

If left uncleaned, the corrosion can eventually interrupt current flow enough to prevent starting, but it takes months to deteriorate that much. Certain weather changes can accelerate battery post corrosion. Allowing the battery top to become wet (from rain or condensation) will cause the battery to self-discharge btwn the terminals, and kill the battery. Keep your battery top dry.

It's a wiZe thing to scrub your terminals once or twice a year, anyway. Special battery post and terminal brushes are available at every auto store for under $5, and last a lifetime. They allow you to scrub both the terminal and the post with wire bristle brushes, scraping away any film or corrosion which might restrict current flow. There are 100 trick sprays, greases and dressings to apply to your terminals to prevent/retard corrosion, but nothing works any better than a small dab of cheap vaseline.


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PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2020 1:39 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:16 pm
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Location: Ansonia, CT
Those red and green felt rings also help to reduce the terminal corrosion on lead-acid batteries. Another route would be to go to a different battery. I've gone over to using an Optima battery on my 71Z. They are not cheap, but they last a lot longer than the lead-acid batteries. Mine lasted over 10 years. No maintenance and no corrosion. I also disconnect the battery using a quick disconnect on the ground terminal when the car is not used. This eliminates any slow drain on the battery when the car is being stored whether it be from my analog clock or old wiring. Of course, the 350Z has more electronics and disconnecting the battery may require you to do some reprogramming of the radio, alarms, etc.

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1971 240Z - original owner


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PostPosted: Fri Aug 14, 2020 4:50 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:53 pm
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Location: CT
Or, he could get a large pair of steel pliers, open them fully and hold the handles to both terminals for about a minute (danger, user must wear gloves).
That will guarantee no more corrosion ever again.
Just a thought. 8)

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PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 12:10 pm 
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Obviously, Frank is kidding on his last post. I just felt I had to state that fact as I have no idea how car savy you are Phil and I would hate to see anyone that might be even dumber than me try the "plier" method :shock: . Don't do it.

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John Kish
1971 240Z - original owner


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PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 1:09 pm 
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:55 pm
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Location: Westport, CT
You know, somehow I got the impression that Frank might be pulling my leg. I had been intending to ask him for a little Vaseline to put on the terminals. However, upon reflection, I figured that Frank probably needs all the Vaseline he can get his hands on.

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1980 280ZX 2+2
2003 350z Touring
2005 350Z Touring - Silverstone Gray
CT plate PHILSZ


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PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 3:39 pm 
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Location: Ansonia, CT
:lol: :lol: :lol:

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PostPosted: Sat Aug 15, 2020 3:57 pm 
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:lol: 8) :lol:

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PostPosted: Wed Aug 26, 2020 10:26 am 
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Location: rhode island
They sell battery post paint at the auto parts store. Apply after cleaning.


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PostPosted: Tue Sep 01, 2020 10:12 am 
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:55 pm
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Location: Westport, CT
Got it!
Permatex Battery Protector.
Thanks, Paul. :thumbs_up:

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1980 280ZX 2+2
2003 350z Touring
2005 350Z Touring - Silverstone Gray
CT plate PHILSZ


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