Battery acid

[Pooker]

I was cleaning my bike and thought I would remove the saddle, what a mess. There was sand and road grime everywhere! After cleaning it all I noticed that the inner fender and the main fender had a large gap, what a design flaw?

I took the tool tray off to clean it and this exposed the battery. It too was covered in road grime.
I thought I would remove the battery, I peeled back the red rubber and this is when I noticed that the positive post was covered in battery acid corrosion.

Anyone out there know why the positive post would do that?
Thanks

[Silverfire]

It's actually common with any automotive battery. If you want to stop it, here's what I'd do.

First, scrub the terminal and clamp with a battery brush, then go to Autozone, and get some felt washers and terminal grease. (The washers will only work if you have a round terminal)

The washer will absorb and neutralize the acid, and the grease will keep corrosion down a LOT.

[Pooker]

Originally Posted by Silverfire

It's actually common with any automotive battery. If you want to stop it, here's what I'd do.

First, scrub the terminal and clamp with a battery brush, then go to Autozone, and get some felt washers and terminal grease. (The washers will only work if you have a round terminal)

The washer will absorb and neutralize the acid, and the grease will keep corrosion down a LOT.

I've never had it before.
What causes it?
Do I need to replace the battery?
Thanks

[A2rider]

OK, I was bored, but here is some answers.

Battery Maintenance is an important issue. The battery should be cleaned using a baking soda and water mix; a couple of table spoons to a pint of water. Cable connection needs to be clean and tightened. Many battery problems are caused by dirty and loose connections. A serviceable battery needs to have the fluid level checked. Use only mineral free water. Distilled water is best. Don't overfill battery cells especially in warmer weather. The natural fluid expansion in hot weather will push excess electrolytes from the battery. To prevent corrosion of cables on top post batteries use a small bead of silicon sealer at the base of the post and place a felt battery washer over it. Coat the washer with high temperature grease or petroleum jelly (Vaseline), then place cable on the post and tighten. Coat the exposed cable end with the grease. Most folks don't know that just the gases from the battery condensing on metal parts cause most corrosion.

[A2rider]

This has more info if anyone is interested.

Battery Tutorial | Batterystuff.com

[A2rider]

This seems to be the answer.

Battery Equaliser 12 oz. | Batterystuff.com

[wellerjohn]

If you clean the terminals with a baking soda paste made from water and baking soda the coat the terminals and wire lugs with vasaline or just grease your problem will go away. The corrosion needs oxygen for the reaction.

[Alizard]

Originally Posted by Pooker

I've never had it before.
What causes it?

Acid fumes seeping out that corrode the metal connector.

[herk]

And make certain that the battery vent tubing is installed & routed correctly. JMK.

[Pooker]

Okay, all said and done,............I'm alarmed!
I have never had this sort of thing happen to a battery before.
I buy a car every 10 years and never had this happen.
I have owned several motorcycles and never came across this.
So, why now?

[StarGate]

Consider yourself lucky to not have had this before and hope you are just as lucky in the future.

[herk]

Originally Posted by StarGate

Consider yourself lucky to not have had this before and hope you are just as lucky in the future.

Yep. And worse things can occur. Years ago, my brother's car battery exploded - yessirreebob - I saw the aftermess. JMK.

[JimmyD]

I'd have to say, I haven't been around as long as some of you but I've been playing with motorized... things for over a decade and I haven't come across this problem either. Wasn't even sure what he was talking about at first.