Duh

[Hoghead]

Duh, duh and thrice duh.

Went to prep my bikes yesterday in anticipation of spring.

Charged battery on, fresh fuel in (drained carb too). Starter real sluggish. Panic-how could this be this battery is near new?

Cleaned terminals on starter-starts fine now ... duh.

[10scDust]

Did you put di-electric grease om the connections whilst at it?
That will help keep oxygen in the air from corroding the metals and deteriorating the connection.

I used to use axle grease, but some inhibit the electrical connection, so now I'll only use axle grease as a top coat of the battery connections after the contact area is clean, as a last resort.
The de-ox grease is better, (di-electric).

[Hoghead]

Did you put di-electric grease om the connections whilst at it?
That will help keep oxygen in the air from corroding the metals and deteriorating the connection.

I used to use axle grease, but some inhibit the electrical connection, so now I'll only use axle grease as a top coat of the battery connections after the contact area is clean, as a last resort.
The de-ox grease is better, (di-electric).

Thanks for the reminder- can't find it in the shop, will go to autoparts store in a few mins.

[axel]

There is a dielectric spray available. It doesn't attract dirt like grease does. Spray cable ends and terminals separately and attach when dry. Takes a couple minutes.

[Hoghead]

There is a dielectric spray available. It doesn't attract dirt like grease does. Spray cable ends and terminals separately and attach when dry. Takes a couple minutes.

Ah-that sounds useful, will track some down....

[TomK]

Also liquid electrical tape. You can coat connections with it and it’s about waterproof.

[DoomBuggy]

Nice tips dudes!

[DustyDave]

I use battery tenders with great success. Haven't bothered to grease a terminal in years. Letting a battery set and slowly discharge all winter won't be deterred from ruining a battery by some grease! One of my neighbors would have me come over and see why his riding mower wouldn't start every spring. Then I would replace the battery. I finally bought him one of the really cheap junky tenders from Harbor Freight and he hasn't pestered me in 4 years.
Dusty

[ac72rat]

wait till the garage goes on fire