Electric Cable - Anti corrosion solutions?

[viva]

The positive cable that connects to the battery terminal is 6mm dia multi-strand copper. It is connected to the terminal post connector by two screws which tighten down onto the cable. The problem is that, despite coating the terminal post connector with Vaseline, the cable end corrodes after a few months and causes starting problems. I have thought about tinning the cable end, but I fear it will be too much of a heat sink and will be difficult to achieve with a soldering iron. I don’t fancy using a blow lamp in the confined space and might melt the insulation. I have thought about crimping a non corrosive sleeve to the cable, but this may make the cable too thick for connection to the terminal.

So my questions are

1. Is there a tried and tested paste or gel that prevents corrosion but allows good conductivity in a marine environment?

2. Is there a way of tinning or applying a thin sleeve?

Thanks

 

[MoodySabre]

I'm suprised that vaseline doesn't keep in clean. Anyway how about using terminal covers and pack them with waterproof grease.

 

[greenalien]

Fit a crimped-on eye connector to the end of the cable (needs a hydraulic crimper) and change the battery post connector to one with a terminal post, rather than the current arrangement. This sort of thing : http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/media/red_black_battery_terminal.jpg

 

[KellysEye]

Multi strand copper is used in cars, the boat spec is solid tinned copper. We had stranded cables and you are right Vaseline doesn't really work.

 

[pampas]

vaseline is hydroscopic, hence I never use tit.

 

[viva]

I believe Vaseline is an insulator as well as a corrosion inhibitor

 

[David2452]

Multi strand copper is used in cars, the boat spec is solid tinned copper. We had stranded cables and you are right Vaseline doesn't really work.

No no, marine cabling is MULTI STRANDED tinned copper, crimp on a tinned copper tube type ring terminal and cover with adhesive lined heat shrink.

 

[savageseadog]

Soak the end in Duck Oil from Swarfega

 

[oldsaltoz]

If this connection is for the starter relay, investigate connecting it to a supply away from the battery.

 

[mitiempo]

I agree the battery terminal should be changed to the type that greenalien linked to. Bare wire cannot be kept corrosion free in a boat for long. Even if tinned the cut end isn't. The proper way is a crimped on tinned copper lug. If you don't have crimpers able to do this I am sure an electrical shop or chandlery can do it for you for very little coin. With adhesive heatshrink over it there will not be any corrosion.