I would like to now what does it mean when a lead acid battery positive pole goes black ?

-- Eric deLorimier (ericdelo@hotmail.com), February 03, 2001

Answers

It is probably just corosion. I would just take a wire brush or a battery post cleaner (they're inexpensive and handy) and clean the post. That way you are sure to have a good connection. Hope this answers your question. Good luck!

-- Shau Marie (shau@centurytel.net), February 03, 2001.

BLACK??? the corrosion should be white flakey, like a powder. BUT BLACK?? Only thing I can think of is black coating, corrosion preventer. Does it come back? or has it always been there? Are you doing a battery swap? Either way,, its a good idea to clean the terminals and the cable ends once and awhile. Even on e new battery,, the terminals are coated with a clear coat,, so they dont corrode while sitting on a shelve,, I clean mine at every oil change

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), February 03, 2001.

I assume we are talking about the battery terminal post? I know the blackish appearance which I think is due to a reaction between the lead and the vapours given off by charging. If it is a sealed battery then there goes my theory!

-- john hill (john@cnd.co.nz), February 04, 2001.

Eric, I've had the same problem. If you have noticed, the battery posts (if its top post) and the terminal that goes on it are tapered to get tighter as you push farther on. The black comes from not making good contact all the way across the connection. A good post cleaning tool will put the right taper back on them. You may need a new cable end as they get corroded out too much over time. Also, make sure the bolt on the clamp is not corroded up so you can't tighten it all the way. To clean the clamps, use a tbsp. of baking soda in a tea cup of water. Don't get this on the battery!!! Good Luck.

-- Dave (drcomer@rr1.net), February 04, 2001.

I use a gray metalic conductive paste to coat the terminals to prevent corrosion. You can get it at wally world or auto parts places for about a dollar a tube.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), February 05, 2001.

I have seen the top of the negatine post painted black as for cleaning treminals I use baking soda and water it allso stops all corrosion it will foam wash with water after

-- nick (raymondetdesrosier@smpatico.ca), February 06, 2001.

One simple solution to the corrosion prob' is to coat the terminal with vaseline petroleum jelly.

DW

-- dave whittlesea (dw@brookfarm.screaming.net), February 09, 2001.