Battery terminal vs clamp. RANT included.

[N80]

As a side note, my actual tractor, which is 13 years old now, still has its original battery, all cables firmly secured, starts every time hot or cold even after sitting for weeks and sometimes a month at a time without being used. Wish all batteries were this good.

 

[WranglerX]

Funny this should come up..... Changed out battery on wife's Honda from a 5 year guarantee battery that went almost 6 year's to cheap mexican made 3 year guaranteed battery and negative post on new battery would not hold ... To small.... Ended up using a piece of 1/2 copper water pipe (annealed) and molded it to shape of battery post as a spacer and then could tighten up clamp..... Used anti-corrosive grease on whole assembly to prevent corrosion.....

Crappy A $$ house brand cheap mexican battery from O'Rileys....

Dale

 

[ruffdog]

The negative terminal is a smaller diameter. Did they install a positive cable on both sides?

 

[N80]

Dale, the first two batteries I had this issue with were the basic Advanced Auto Parts (or maybe it was Auto Zone) batteries. The current one is an Optima Yellow. (I understand that Optima's are probably a waste of money but wife bought it without asking me). Anyway, Optimas are expensive. No excuse for this.

ruffdog, I have no idea. The clamp is OEM and the negative cable is a simple clamp and cable. The positive is this elaborate affair that appears to have fuses in it.

 

[tjkubota93]

I noticed working as a mechanic, that alot of clamps were clamped too far.

This way, they would not go all the way down on the post and would seem loose setting up on the top of the tapered battery lug.

I fixed that issue on many, many people's cars when I would do other work just to prevent a needless comeback.

Make sure the lug is stretched as far as it can be without damaging it.

Then make sure it goes ALL the way down onto the tapered post (unless the post has a ridge at the bottom, this means contacting the plastic case).

Then while holding it down, tighten the clamp part. If you dont spread the lug open, it doesn't matter how much you beat on it or tighten it, it just wont go on good.

I generally only use acdelco, motorcraft or mopar batteries. Acdelco being a favorite.

If you get a cheap battery, I bet the terminals might be undersized. Lead has a cost. Theres a reason that battery was cheaper.

As simple as it seems, as many improper battery installations as I have seen, I would guess most people that install a battery have absolutely no business doing it.

 

[Wagtail]

After extensive research, I watched this informative video on changing a car battery. Safely, of course.

How-To Replace a Car Battery With Julia - YouTube

I watched it at least 5 times... finally noting that the battery actually didn't have 'posts'. :confused3:

 

[mcfarmall]

I would guess most people that install a battery have absolutely no business doing it.

This question is not directed at tjkubota93 but as a general response.

Why is installing a battery so difficult?? (for some people)

There are typically 2 hold down bolts to remove/install. Two battery terminals, one bigger than the other, or side posts with a bolt or nut & bolt assembly. You apply a dash of common sense (to me) by cleaning the posts and the clamps, make sure they are fully seated and making good contact. Tighten fasteners and spray with anti-corrosion spray. Done.

Much simpler than say, changing the timing belt and water pump on a Honda 3.5 liter V-6. And the timing belt job isn't difficult, just time consuming.

 

[oosik]

My battery cable ends are as pictured by bcp - post #4. They are OEM and, so far, have remained tight for nine years. I put a new battery (Odyssey Group 31) in the tractor last year. Only problem with the installation - - lifting and extending to get new battery in proper place. Man - it took a screaming grunt to get that 78# battery in place.

 

[Gem99ultra]

It's an Infiniti (Nissan). No such issues on any of my previous Nissans or Ifinitis (lots of them).

Same problem with our Nissan Pathfinder - original negative cable was too large for our replacement Interstate battery. Had to go with the cheap adapter, but even with that, it just doesn't seem right. Why the different size negative posts? I see no reason.

I like the batteries with the dual post, i.e. top post and side post. That eliminates the problem. Seems some standardization is in order.

 

[PILOON]

The negative terminal is a smaller diameter. Did they install a positive cable on both sides?

Bet U nailed it!
Possibly a replacement 'universal' cable was installed at some point?

Also if the battery is not well clamped down and can move a bit could explain a loose negative clamp as they tend to be shorter lengths.