03-29-2014, 03:48 PM
[quote kandersonSLC]Thanks for the great information. I use the motor's spade connectors to attach to the battery box.
I took my box apart and found that the inside bolt on the positive side was loose, which is probably explains my problems, including with the fish finder as the connection was probably arcing.
Took all connections apart and cleaned with contact cleaner. Should see an improvement.[/quote]
Glad you found a problem. It sucks when we look and find nothing...
I scrub all connecting surfaces with Emory paper, a wire brush, or even a blade edge to expose bare metal and remove any surface corrosion. You'd be surprised at how this stuff builds up when around water; even an unseen amount causes a drop in delivered power.
Once cleaned, I mate the connectors. Once everything is right and tight [
] I liberally apply a moisture inhibitor. I have some special stuff I get from work, but plain WD40 will do. Moisture intrusion within the connection is the next biggest power thief youll encounter, next to mismatched connections.
Now, I recommend you refrain from covering the connection with silicone. If gaps in the coverage exist, moisture gets in and the covering only serves to trap it. Because silicone is a messy, gloppy paste, guess what?
It is easy to create gaps!
If you want a coating, use something liquid, like the preparations created for the purpose. A paint on or spray on is best. In a pinch, nail polish, varnish or even gloss clear spray paint will do. Here, less is more:
Think skin coating, not a glob.
I spent a decade in the NAVY both conducting and teaching marine and avionics corrosion control. Today, I use nothing but moisture displacing compound, and maybe a shot of clear gloss enamel.
Then, I pay attention to the connections.
All this applies to EVERY connection you have, too, not just the ones at the battery. It is especially important around sophisticated, high gain electronics — like fish finders
Clean, tight connections, regularly inspected and protected from
moisture intrusion (WD-40), well… that is cheap insurance.
[signature]
I took my box apart and found that the inside bolt on the positive side was loose, which is probably explains my problems, including with the fish finder as the connection was probably arcing.
Took all connections apart and cleaned with contact cleaner. Should see an improvement.[/quote]
Glad you found a problem. It sucks when we look and find nothing...
I scrub all connecting surfaces with Emory paper, a wire brush, or even a blade edge to expose bare metal and remove any surface corrosion. You'd be surprised at how this stuff builds up when around water; even an unseen amount causes a drop in delivered power.
Once cleaned, I mate the connectors. Once everything is right and tight [
] I liberally apply a moisture inhibitor. I have some special stuff I get from work, but plain WD40 will do. Moisture intrusion within the connection is the next biggest power thief youll encounter, next to mismatched connections. Now, I recommend you refrain from covering the connection with silicone. If gaps in the coverage exist, moisture gets in and the covering only serves to trap it. Because silicone is a messy, gloppy paste, guess what?
It is easy to create gaps!
If you want a coating, use something liquid, like the preparations created for the purpose. A paint on or spray on is best. In a pinch, nail polish, varnish or even gloss clear spray paint will do. Here, less is more:
Think skin coating, not a glob.
I spent a decade in the NAVY both conducting and teaching marine and avionics corrosion control. Today, I use nothing but moisture displacing compound, and maybe a shot of clear gloss enamel.
Then, I pay attention to the connections.
All this applies to EVERY connection you have, too, not just the ones at the battery. It is especially important around sophisticated, high gain electronics — like fish finders
Clean, tight connections, regularly inspected and protected from
moisture intrusion (WD-40), well… that is cheap insurance.
[signature]