Keep Your Posts Clean!!
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 16
Keep Your Posts Clean!!
No I'm not talking about your forum posts (although you should also keep those clean as well). I am talking about your battery post!
This may seem like a simple thing that most of you already know, but apparently our PSDs are very sensitive to having clean terminals. I was having a longer then normal wait for the Glow Plugs to warm up and slow crank (like batteries were dying) issues. I checked the terminals and they were a little corroded, but nothing that I would have given a second look on any of my gas burners. I thought I was going to have to replace my 2 yr old batteries (both batteries and 200 amp alt. were replaced when I bought the truck 2 yrs ago). Guy at the local Auto Zone said, "these trucks a little sensitive to dirty post" and I should try cleaning the terminals first. For a $3 investment for a post cleaning tool and 10 min. of my time, I now have 3 times faster glow plug heat up, and the beast cranks over like it is going to send the pistons out the hood! I am probably just delusional from my euphoria, but it also seems like the truck is running, driving better (ie more power/responsive).
Just thought this post might help another Newbie like me.
GOD I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!
This may seem like a simple thing that most of you already know, but apparently our PSDs are very sensitive to having clean terminals. I was having a longer then normal wait for the Glow Plugs to warm up and slow crank (like batteries were dying) issues. I checked the terminals and they were a little corroded, but nothing that I would have given a second look on any of my gas burners. I thought I was going to have to replace my 2 yr old batteries (both batteries and 200 amp alt. were replaced when I bought the truck 2 yrs ago). Guy at the local Auto Zone said, "these trucks a little sensitive to dirty post" and I should try cleaning the terminals first. For a $3 investment for a post cleaning tool and 10 min. of my time, I now have 3 times faster glow plug heat up, and the beast cranks over like it is going to send the pistons out the hood! I am probably just delusional from my euphoria, but it also seems like the truck is running, driving better (ie more power/responsive).
Just thought this post might help another Newbie like me.
GOD I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!
New User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pleasanton/Livermore area
i did the same thing. i was gonna replace the batts...
i tested them on a VAT-40 and did a load test and at 1/2 the CCA it was going 9.6V(which is failing). after i cleaned posts and clamps, i was at 11V steady. Saved me moneys! Oh, and i installed a washer in front of that lead(feels like it) nut. it makes removal and installation a lot easier, and you can clamp tighter.
i tested them on a VAT-40 and did a load test and at 1/2 the CCA it was going 9.6V(which is failing). after i cleaned posts and clamps, i was at 11V steady. Saved me moneys! Oh, and i installed a washer in front of that lead(feels like it) nut. it makes removal and installation a lot easier, and you can clamp tighter.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Ferryville SW Wisconsin
Great reminder!! This is so easy to overlook and ignored.
The power posters always talk about this point.
Good to have a real life exsample. Thanks!
Let us know your Name (first) and Town, Name and Town. Reps on the way.
Auke
The power posters always talk about this point.
Good to have a real life exsample. Thanks!
Let us know your Name (first) and Town, Name and Town. Reps on the way.
Auke
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Shore Md
I replaced a starter, two batteries, an alternator, and a starter solenoid before I realized I had a loose/corroded connections... just because they look "okay" doesn't mean they are, now I remove and clean all of them on a regular basis.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
That is of course, very good advice. Also don't forget those cables have another end on them. Check the grounds and relay connections for corrosion as well. Another neat little trick we've learned here on FTE is to use something called Noalox on the posts and connections to prevent corrosion. The bottle says Ideal (the manufacturer) in big letters, and Noalox in smaller letters. It's available at Home Depot or Lowes in the electrical isle.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
That is of course, very good advice. Also don't forget those cables have another end on them. Check the grounds and relay connections for corrosion as well. Another neat little trick we've learned here on FTE is to use something called Noalox on the posts and connections to prevent corrosion. The bottle says Ideal (the manufacturer) in big letters, and Noalox in smaller letters. It's available at Home Depot or Lowes in the electrical isle.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
You should have asked him to point out where exactly are the spark plugs and wires are on your truck.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
The spark plugs were $1.99 ea. I should have bought them, then went back inside and said they didn't fit and see if he would have swapped them for glow plugs, but I live in a warm climate so my glow plugs are still fine. Instead I just looked at him and asked if he was stupid. (I was having a bad day). He just stared at me with a strange look on his face so I told him I was ready to check out now.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 16
That is of course, very good advice. Also don't forget those cables have another end on them. Check the grounds and relay connections for corrosion as well. Another neat little trick we've learned here on FTE is to use something called Noalox on the posts and connections to prevent corrosion. The bottle says Ideal (the manufacturer) in big letters, and Noalox in smaller letters. It's available at Home Depot or Lowes in the electrical isle.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
Originally Posted by Technocrsr
Great reminder!! This is so easy to overlook and ignored.
The power posters always talk about this point.
Good to have a real life exsample. Thanks!
Let us know your Name (first) and Town, Name and Town. Reps on the way.
Auke
The power posters always talk about this point.
Good to have a real life exsample. Thanks!
Let us know your Name (first) and Town, Name and Town. Reps on the way.
Auke
Again thanks to all on this forum. I am a "supporter" because I have already saved $100's thanks to the great folks on this site. (sticking door mech. issue, missing due to harness connector inside the valve covers issue, etc...)
Oh yeah it's a 2000 7.3l with 230k miles, no mods at all (i'm debating on if I should mess with it)
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
Thanks for the heads up on the Noalox! I will get down to HD this weekend.
I'm not sure what "Reps on the way" means, but I'm Scott in Tucson, AZ.
Again thanks to all on this forum. I am a "supporter" because I have already saved $100's thanks to the great folks on this site. (sticking door mech. issue, missing due to harness connector inside the valve covers issue, etc...)
Oh yeah it's a 2000 7.3l with 230k miles, no mods at all (i'm debating on if I should mess with it)
I'm not sure what "Reps on the way" means, but I'm Scott in Tucson, AZ.
Again thanks to all on this forum. I am a "supporter" because I have already saved $100's thanks to the great folks on this site. (sticking door mech. issue, missing due to harness connector inside the valve covers issue, etc...)
Oh yeah it's a 2000 7.3l with 230k miles, no mods at all (i'm debating on if I should mess with it)
New User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pleasanton/Livermore area
i believe that "Noalox" is repackaged Di-Electric Grease. You may be paying more for the brand. but then again, you could be paying less.
and triple B you should do the Napa 6637 DIY intake, and a cat delete pipe. theres good sound, power and MPG right there, for under $100
and triple B you should do the Napa 6637 DIY intake, and a cat delete pipe. theres good sound, power and MPG right there, for under $100
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
i believe that "Noalox" is repackaged Di-Electric Grease. You may be paying more for the brand. but then again, you could be paying less.
and triple B you should do the Napa 6637 DIY intake, and a cat delete pipe. theres good sound, power and MPG right there, for under $100
and triple B you should do the Napa 6637 DIY intake, and a cat delete pipe. theres good sound, power and MPG right there, for under $100
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 16
i believe that "Noalox" is repackaged Di-Electric Grease. You may be paying more for the brand. but then again, you could be paying less.
and triple B you should do the Napa 6637 DIY intake, and a cat delete pipe. theres good sound, power and MPG right there, for under $100
and triple B you should do the Napa 6637 DIY intake, and a cat delete pipe. theres good sound, power and MPG right there, for under $100
I don't think I have cat to delete. I thought that was true on all 2000's or is mine different?
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
From: VA
That is of course, very good advice. Also don't forget those cables have another end on them. Check the grounds and relay connections for corrosion as well. Another neat little trick we've learned here on FTE is to use something called Noalox on the posts and connections to prevent corrosion. The bottle says Ideal (the manufacturer) in big letters, and Noalox in smaller letters. It's available at Home Depot or Lowes in the electrical isle.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
You're very lucky to have a knowledgeable guy at your local AutoZone. After looking up a part for me, one of my local AutoZoo employees told me about a sale they were having and said I should take advantage of this great sale and change my spark plugs and wires.
Noalox is the trade mark name by Ideal. It's primary use is to inhibit corrosion when terminating aluminum wires or copper to aluminum connections (via a lug) I have used di-electric grease before and Noalox is far more corrosion resistant. Plus it is very highly conductive.