Trolling Motor Battery Question

[RottManK9]

My trolling motor battery is in a battery box with a battery condition indicator on the top of it.  It wasn't holding a charge this year so I figured the battery was bad and dind't look into it any further untill yesterday when I went to pull the battery out of the box.  I discovered the battery cable that goes from the box top to the battery was corroded so bad the connecter to the battery was completly disconnected.  I'm gussing this was the cause it woudn't hold a charge!  LOL

I'm going to replace to connector on the cable today and see if it will fix the problem.  

My question is what should I put over the connectors and cable to protect them from this happening again?  I was told to put some grease on it would that work?

Thanks,

Jon

[Jig Man]

To prevent corrosion of cables on top post batteries use a small bead of silicon sealer at the base of the post and place a felt battery washer over it. Coat the washer with high temperature grease or petroleum jelly (Vaseline), then place cable on the post and tighten. Coat the exposed cable end with the grease. Most folks don't know that just the gases from the battery condensing on metal parts cause most corrosion.

Check out your cable. I may also need to be replaced.

[WRB]

Your battery is more than likey in poor condition also. If it is a gel type sealed battery, try taking it to a gagrage and have it a load tested and recharged using about 20 amps. If the battery has caps for maintenance, check to see if the plates are cover with fluid, if not add distilled water and recharge with 20 amps, not the 3 to 10 type charger, to restore a full charge level. Vaseline works as well as any sealer to keep moisture away from the terminals.

WRB

[RoLo]

Vaseline works as well as any sealer to keep moisture away from the terminals.

Yup, the key ingredient in any terminal grease is "petrolatum" (petroleum jelly).

[tntitans21399]

I would suggest petroleum jelly, it is about the cheapest and maybe best thing to use.  But if you wanted to make look a little better, maybe try putting the liquid electrical tape or liquid rubber (they sell to make handles of tools rubber) and that might keep them sealed and not have to worry about getting grease on you if you pull the batteries in and out.