Grease on Battery Terminals Causes Problems?
10-28-2011, 09:41 PM
#1
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St. Jude Donor '13
Grease on Battery Terminals Causes Problems?
For years I have used the dielectric silicone grease (and the felt washers) on the battery terminals of my cars to prevent corrosion. I prefer the grease over the paint-like sprays because it won't crack or flake, and is easily reapplied if I remove a cable.
Recently I read a comment not to use grease this way, as it can cause problems getting a good electrical contact.
Anyone have problems using grease this way?
Recently I read a comment not to use grease this way, as it can cause problems getting a good electrical contact.
Anyone have problems using grease this way?
10-28-2011, 10:19 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
It should be fine. I use a copper anti sieze type grease and never get corrosion. You can use battery terminal protector spray as well if you would rather.
10-28-2011, 11:31 PM
#3
Drifting
I have used grease lightly applied to battery terminals for many years on many cars and have had zero problems, and I am convinced this helps avoid any build up of corrosion debris at the connections 
10-29-2011, 12:02 AM
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The reason it can cause problems is:
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; 10-29-2011 at 12:06 AM.
10-29-2011, 04:18 PM
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The reason it can cause problems is:
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
Dielectric grease is a thick, nonconductive, water-resistant compound that protects electrical components and connections. It also lubricates mated connections, such as spark plugs and the rubber boots that fit over them.
Read more: What Is Dielectric Grease Used For? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7709251_dielectric-grease-used.html#ixzz1c8jgKl6x
Using it between the clamps and the battery posts can reduce or stop current flow just the same as corrosion does. You want a conductive grease not a dielectric grease.
It works in electrical connectors because it gets displaced from the connector pins as they wipe across each other when being connected. The grease then keeps stuff out of the connector and inhibits corrosion.
Bill
