White battery residue - why is it on the metal hold down strap but not the posts

[moonlitcoyote]

May I ask about the powdery white substance that is strangely not on the battery posts but on the metal strap that holds the batteries down? That is battery acid yes? And why is it on the strap?

(The phantom poster strikes again...     )

[moonlitcoyote]

You know, I sneak those questions in there just to keep you on your toes.

[Stripe]

 The white powder sometimes found around the battery is usually lead-sulfate which is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact, so clean up after messing around with it.

From wiki.... "The corrosion is caused by an imperfect seal between the plastic battery case and lead battery post allowing sulfuric acid to react with the lead battery posts. The corrosion process is also expedited by over charging. Corrosion can also be caused by factors such as salt water, dirt, heat, humidity, cracks in the battery casing or loose battery terminals. Inspection, cleaning and protection with a light coating of dielectric grease are measures used to prevent corrosion of battery terminals."

make a solution of bicarb and water to wash it off. Then cover the terminals with vaseline to stop it reoccurring.

Fredric

[Froggy1936]

NOTE: You can also use baking soda mixed with water & disolved to clear & clean corrosion Thourly wash off all remaining mixture from batterys and holder !  CAUTION wear eye protection & DO NOT let cleaning mixture get into battery cells This would destroy a new battery  Frank

[ClydesdaleKevin]

You can also use Pepsi or CocaCola.  There's a reason I don't drink that crap...lol!  Just rinse it off after with clean water...it gets the batteries spotless.

But to answer your actual question, a previous owner probably cleaned the battery posts at some point in time but didn't bother with the hold down strap.  That white powdery corrosion was probably all over the top of the batteries at one time, strap included.

Kev

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

When the battery is charging is does emit some gassing (thats why we have to occasionally check water levels).  The gas contains the corrosive elements it.   The gas comes into contact with other components transferring the corrosive elements to them if they have not been previously protected in some way.  Ergo the corrosive action starts on the unprotected components and the white powder is the evidence.

Dave