Starter Cable Connection

[djradz]

Just happened to be inspecting a few things on my TC 40D boomer and noticed the connection of the "red" power cable at the starter, which is covered by a red terminal protecting boot, is all corroded. Not sure why, other than some water or just moisture may be held in by the boot and causes the terminal to corrode. I plan to take the terminal off, clean it all up, and put some grease on the whole assembly. I'd suggest everyone check this conection before you have trouble starting or the whole starter needs to be replaced. Be careful, and maybe disconnect the cable at the battery, as I think this connection may be hot at all times.

 

[jinman]

Great info, Duane. I'll check mine in the morning. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I just happened to be "under the hood" on my TC25D the other day and noticed that BOTH battery terminals were severely corroded. They looked like two cauliflower heads!! I don't know why this happened. I keep the tractor dry and clean in my garage. I bought two little felt disks coated with some chemical at Pep Boys to put under the cable clamps but I'm not thrilled with that solution (I haven't done it yet, but it doesn't appear to be too good). I've seen some spray on purple stuff that the Nissan dealer used one time on my truck. It seemed to work OK. Does anybody know of a spray on anti-corrosion battery terminal spray.

 

[DUMBDOG]

For some reason on the NH tractors, you just have to make it a monthly chore to clean the terminals. I have tried several things and none have worked, monthly cleaning has worked best for me.

 

[bartman]

I cleaned mine once about a year ago when I got my used 1710. I sprayed some "FLUID FILM" on the posts and then rubbed some grease on them and they have been fine ever since. I bought the FLUID FILM at the Ford dealership, it is a spray on rust/corrosion preventative, also good for un-loosening rusty old plow bolts.........and stuff like that.....
Good luck
Bartman

 

[tc35dforme]

My battery problems ( terminal corrosion and radiator corrosion ) went away when I installed an Optima sealed battery and removed the OEM unit. Something about the OEM battery venting gas during charging that condenses on the tractor parts. It usually attacks the radiator and associated mounts because the fan draws the air through.

As for the starter lugs...mine as squeaky clean. Maybe you need to be a little more careful with the hose when washing. Mine hasn't seen a hose yet !!!! I know....someday !!!

 

[RoyJackson]

Remember the old "Coca Cola" trick. Pour some on your terminals and it will dissolve the corrosion.

After that, you can use Vaseline or other grease to inhibit corrosion.

 

[mikim]

autozone sells little packets of dielectric grease at the register for just this purpose - like ketchup packets

 

[Hoeman00]

Most auto parts stores carry the red
battery spray for terminals.
Clean real good (inside and out) and spray on.
I have same trouble w/ my 710b hoe.

 

[jinman]

Duane,
I finally checked my positive battery lead at the starter and at the battery. When I lifted the cover at the starter, there was no corrosion or dust and it looked "factory fresh" and shiny./w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif Since I have had my radiator and HST cooler lines replaced under warranty for battery acid damage, I expected to see some corrosion at the positive battery terminal, but when I lifted its cover, the positive lead had no corrosion at all. Perhaps my rinsing off the top of my battery often has eliminated any acid from collecting around the terminals./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Anyhow, your tip is a good one and something we should all do on a regular basis, especially for those of us who leave our tractors outdoors most of the time.