Battery lead replacement ?

[SAWDOC]

When replacing a battery lead terminal recently, I noticed that the strands of the cable core were black. I have never had a problem with insufficient flow of current to starter but should I be expecting one soone or later? Cables seem well connected but are most likely 15 years old. Is it a no brainer that they be replaced?

 

[savageseadog]

They're probably OK but.............

If you've any doubts, replace them or cut them back and re-crimp them, it's really not worth the risk.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

When I read the title I thought you wanted to replace the battery lead, not the battery lead. 'ow's he goin' to do that, I thunk. Stoopid language.

 

[macd]

Stoopid language.

Indeed. Sometimes it truly plumbs the depths.

 

[SAWDOC]

They're probably OK but.............

If you've any doubts, replace them or cut them back and re-crimp them, it's really not worth the risk.

When renewing a split terminal, I cut an inch off one of the positive leads and was surprised to find the core black. Having renewed the terminal, batteries never failed to provide enough grunt to start engine. So theoretically they should be renewed. Practically I'm not sure if it makes a difference.

 

[nigelmercier]

You can clean the core with a dilute acid, then neutralise. Personally I'd replace it.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Indeed. Sometimes it truly plumbs the depths.

We just solder on.

 

[PabloPicasso]

When I read the title I thought you wanted to replace the battery lead, not the battery lead. 'ow's he goin' to do that, I thunk. Stoopid language.

Isn't it a shame that we cannot replace the lead in the actual battery, and the acid in many. Then batteries could lasts for a lot, lot longer. Cheaper for us, better for the environment, and bad of battery companies. I mean, would it be so difficult to make lead acid batteries with serviceable compartments. They certainly used to...

 

[macd]

I've no doubt it's possible, Pablo. I daresay such batteries exist in certain applications, at a price. But surely the overwhelming majority of 12V battery users just want something they can throw away when it's done. Along the way we benefit, at least financially, from the benefits of scale they create.

My second thought is that I obsess enough about my ruddy batteries already. Can't imagine what I'd be like if I could take 'em to bits as well...

 

[robertj]

Isn't it a shame that we cannot replace the lead in the actual battery, and the acid in many. Then batteries could lasts for a lot, lot longer. Cheaper for us, better for the environment, and bad of battery companies. I mean, would it be so difficult to make lead acid batteries with serviceable compartments. They certainly used to...

You can refurb batteries.

 

[fergie_mac66]

didnt know you could replace the lead ina battry, easier to replace the acid

 

[JumbleDuck]

Isn't it a shame that we cannot replace the lead in the actual battery, and the acid in many. Then batteries could lasts for a lot, lot longer. Cheaper for us, better for the environment, and bad of battery companies. I mean, would it be so difficult to make lead acid batteries with serviceable compartments. They certainly used to...

Much the most effective way is to recycle batteries on an industrial scale, which is what happens.