Eff'n Battery Connections
HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
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From: New Hampsha
The Duracell batteries are made by Deka.
This would lead me to believe you have some sort of conductivity (corrosion) issue rather than loose connections. Split washers help with both. Dielectric grease helps preserve conductivity. I don't know if I'd use Loctite. It'll keep them tight, but many batteries are ruined by twisting the terminals. (1,000,000 ft-lbs isn't going to help them either...)
When I re-torque, the bolts don't even move a noticeable amount, but works every time.
Last edited by John CC; Aug 5, 2019 at 03:54 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
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From: From Long Island, now in So. Cal
Seasoned HDF Member
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From:
It is possible that i missed year and exact model.
But it would appear to be a dyna.
The aftermarket batteries have posts that are set back from the battery edge.
The spacers shown in pictures help to line-up the cables flat against posts.
Many folks toss them when buying a new aftermarket battery but they should be used.
The running of wire to battery can also loosen cable if it is runs in a manner that permits vibration to twist cable left/loose.
If cables are loose and not making contact then heat can result at posts and cause damage to battery or charging system.
But it would appear to be a dyna.
The aftermarket batteries have posts that are set back from the battery edge.
The spacers shown in pictures help to line-up the cables flat against posts.
Many folks toss them when buying a new aftermarket battery but they should be used.
The running of wire to battery can also loosen cable if it is runs in a manner that permits vibration to twist cable left/loose.
If cables are loose and not making contact then heat can result at posts and cause damage to battery or charging system.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 335
Likes: 89
From: Reno, NV
You didn't miss it, I neglected to provide such info. 2009 Street Bob.
When I get home (leaving work now) I'll take all the connections apart and go over the entire thing in detail. Clean, reassemble using split washers if not already equipped, see if spacers would help/needed maybe add them anyway, little bit of lock tight, and some electric grease.
Just going to throw everything at it as I'm really over it.
Thanks everyone for the constructive feedback. Much appreciated!
When I get home (leaving work now) I'll take all the connections apart and go over the entire thing in detail. Clean, reassemble using split washers if not already equipped, see if spacers would help/needed maybe add them anyway, little bit of lock tight, and some electric grease.
Just going to throw everything at it as I'm really over it.
Thanks everyone for the constructive feedback. Much appreciated!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
The other thing I just did to both of my bikes...was cover the terminals with electrical tape...not sure if it will help, just thought the tape might hold it in place...honestly I did more as a precaution against any potential arcing against the cover...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Philly Suburbs
Ha, I've done that too! I'm always scared about accidentally grounding the positive side... It's really close to the frame!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
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From: Illinois
Also make sure the battery is held down snugly,so it can't move around. I had a softail that the cables kept coming loose,and I had to put a few pieces of foam backed carpet in front or behind the battery to help secure it.
Batteries bouncing around with nothing but a rubber strap to hold them is not good.
Batteries bouncing around with nothing but a rubber strap to hold them is not good.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Knoxville, Tn
Battery Terminal Screws
As already said, use internal lock washers and blue locktite. My dyna shakes a lot and will eventually make the screws loose in the terminals. On the original battery, I finally safety wired the screws so they couldn't come loose. Since you can't safety wire them together, I drilled a small hole in the very corner of the battery case on each side of the front and then safety wired them to that hole. I didn't drill it into any "meat" of the battery, just a nick on the corner. I used 28 thousandths wire and never had a problem again. I've been through several batteries since then but never had that problem reoccur.
The electrical leads should come at the battery from the side, like the WS6 Formula pics. If it is done like that, you won't need the spacers and that looks like where the problem originates.
The electrical leads should come at the battery from the side, like the WS6 Formula pics. If it is done like that, you won't need the spacers and that looks like where the problem originates.
Last edited by dyna rider; Aug 7, 2019 at 04:24 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: texas
I always cover the battery with a piece of inner tube. I cut slits into a piece of tube and run the cables thru it . Is it needed...I dunno...makes me feel better. I guess it's possible to be a problem if any gas couldn't escape if a battery had issues but that's not the case.
And agree completely with using spacers if needed. . Or putting on side etc. Whatever u gotta do. I dunno why but on many many things people drop the ball attaching terminals. ..bikes...cars..four wheelers... tractors.
And agree completely with using spacers if needed. . Or putting on side etc. Whatever u gotta do. I dunno why but on many many things people drop the ball attaching terminals. ..bikes...cars..four wheelers... tractors.
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