Picked up a new Battery and the Positive Post is just a little too small. First time I have ever had that. Squeezed the Connector with a pliers, and still a hair too small. What have you guys done for this. Don't want to crack the Terminal Connector. I was thinking about getting a cut off switch connector-Thoughts?
New Battery - Positive post too small?
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Yup. Happened many times. Can remove a little material from the center of your terminal clamp so the clamp has more room to travel without bottoming out.
Or find a little piece of copper plumbing scrap and fancy yourself a bushing to make the terminal a fatter OD.
I have ran into this more than once.
Or these are $4 on amazon with a 1 day delivery.
Or find a little piece of copper plumbing scrap and fancy yourself a bushing to make the terminal a fatter OD.
I have ran into this more than once.
Or these are $4 on amazon with a 1 day delivery.
Yep there are "malleable shims/caps" so to speak. Used them before.
Take the POS back...
I’ve had this happen several times on late model vehicles
I have used a new penny that I curve into a semi circle with a pair of channel locks
Then I place it at the rear end of the terminal away from the open end
Works like a charm
I have used a new penny that I curve into a semi circle with a pair of channel locks
Then I place it at the rear end of the terminal away from the open end
Works like a charm
cudamark
Well-Known Member
If you go this route, use a 1959-1981 one cent coin. It's a 95% copper 5% zinc ALLOY. The 1983 and up coins are 99.2% zinc with just a thin .08% layer of copper coating on it. They made both types in 1982, so, unless you know the difference, avoid that year. Personally, I'd get some lead shims that are made for battery posts. Not sure they are still available, but, they used to be. Either that, or shave the battery cable connector as already mentioned. You sure you have the correct cable on the correct post?
I 2nd that. Why wouldn't you?
It's one of those Reproduction Batteries that I had shipped here. To much of a pain to ship it back
I've seen this on late model cars too. had to put a battery in the wifes Hemi Charger and i could pull the terminal clamp off by hand. stacked tolerances apparently. Wasn't worth even driving back in town for something i could fix with a home made sleeve I whipped up in 2 minutes.
on simple old school clamps, it's pretty easy to just take material off and get a little more clamp / squeeze out of it. you can buy new ones, but you could probably knock .010-.020 off per side with a straight file, and safe yourself the hassle.
or back to post 1, amazon yourself the lead bushing for $5 and call it done. whatever is easier.
mopowers
Well-Known Member
I've had this issue a while back. I trimmed a small piece of copper pipe and used that as a shim. I didn't realize they made lead shims for this purpose, I'll have to keep that one in the ol' memory bank.
Are these repop batteries made in China or something? Why are they wrong?
I'm guessing here, straighten me out, If needed.
If you wanted a reproduction battery to keep it correct, wouldn't you shim a correct cable instead of adding this?
Just asking... I are confused.
MILO
Well-Known Member
I have sawed off some of the clamp many times and it worked good even on our riding lawn mower
Swinger 340
Well-Known Member
That's my go - to. I always buy the correct battery to fit the clamp but I think a older connection will stretch over time and that is when I remove a little of the lead at the bolt.
harrisonm
Well-Known Member
Sounds interesting. I can't quite picture your idea.
sdavis21918
Member
Put the inside clamp at the cable side of the hole, not on the bolt side
Woody500
Well-Known Member
Hadn't seen the shim before, but lead caps have been available forever. It's been a long time since I needed one, so I'm now wondering if AP stores even carry them anymore. How about Batteries Plus or other battery stores?
And you might spray it and inside & bottom of clamps with Battery Protector Spray, which I always do before assembly, to keep corrosion totally out of the connection.
I always spray whole top of battery, and sometimes whole battery, top of clamps & battery tray, especially when acid or fumes have already damaged paint.
A Light coat won't hurt newly painted tray either.
Won't a Copper penny then cause it to grow green copper corrosion & cause problem? Zinc too, just less green.
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MILO
Well-Known Member
Plenty of shims on ebay link below
Car Battery Post Shim for sale | eBay
Get the best deals for Car Battery Post Shim at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!
www.ebay.com
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