Blue Loctite On Battery Terminal Bolts???
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9
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Blue Loctite On Battery Terminal Bolts???
CAN YOU USE BLUE LOCTITE TO "VIBRATION-PROOF" BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE BOLTS WITH THREADED INSERTS IN THE BATTERY POSTS?
Late model Sportster' batteries don't have "pass-through" battery terminal connectors ..........they have low profile terminals with steel inserts cast into the lead. THE PROBLEM: The bolts holding the cables vibrate loose.
I got "stuck" out in the middle of nowhere.....thought battery was dead. Turnns out both the cable bolts had vibrated loose.......one of them arc-ed, and actually welded the "loose" bolt to the threaded insert. Couldn't tighten.......couldn't loosen.............finally ended up breaking the bolt. New Battery = $80.
On the new battery I've checked the terminal connections at the last two 1,000 mile points. Each time I found the terminal bolts loose. Tightenend them up as tight as I dared, only to have them vibrate loose again.
I've been considering using Blue Locktite to secure the screws, but fear that it "might" act as an insulator and destroy yet another battery. However contact patch of the lugs on the cables might provide a sufficient connection.
Any thoughts?
Jim
2005 Sportster XL 1200C
Late model Sportster' batteries don't have "pass-through" battery terminal connectors ..........they have low profile terminals with steel inserts cast into the lead. THE PROBLEM: The bolts holding the cables vibrate loose.
I got "stuck" out in the middle of nowhere.....thought battery was dead. Turnns out both the cable bolts had vibrated loose.......one of them arc-ed, and actually welded the "loose" bolt to the threaded insert. Couldn't tighten.......couldn't loosen.............finally ended up breaking the bolt. New Battery = $80.
On the new battery I've checked the terminal connections at the last two 1,000 mile points. Each time I found the terminal bolts loose. Tightenend them up as tight as I dared, only to have them vibrate loose again.
I've been considering using Blue Locktite to secure the screws, but fear that it "might" act as an insulator and destroy yet another battery. However contact patch of the lugs on the cables might provide a sufficient connection.
Any thoughts?
Jim
2005 Sportster XL 1200C
RE: Blue Loctite On Battery Terminal Bolts???
Had the same problem.
More aggresive with the tightening. Also, in the tool kit I carry a 10mm w/ a long extension. Allows for tightening w/o too much disassembly.(watch out for the frame or fireworks will fly
- don't ask me how I know)
More aggresive with the tightening. Also, in the tool kit I carry a 10mm w/ a long extension. Allows for tightening w/o too much disassembly.(watch out for the frame or fireworks will fly
- don't ask me how I know)
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
RE: Blue Loctite On Battery Terminal Bolts???
Always put the ground (negative) wire on last, that way no sparks if you hit the frame while bolting down the positive.....
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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From:
RE: Blue Loctite On Battery Terminal Bolts???
Thanks to everyone for the advice. LOCKWASHER! Why didn't I think of that? The factory screws have knurls on the bolt head but they don't bite very well. A regular lockwasher will do the trick I'm sure.
As for applying a little more "oomph" when tightening I am tightening them more than is healthy for a bolt of this size....they still loosen. Have already wrung off the welded one, can't risk it on the new battery. I had a 10mm wrench with me on the road....too loose to start the bike...wouldn't tighten...broke the bolt. .I was hosed.
Mr. Sparky!! Regarding the sparks when working on battery with the negative cable attached....been therhe done that (not on this one though).....my wrench still carries the black/blue badge of my carelessness...haha.
As for applying a little more "oomph" when tightening I am tightening them more than is healthy for a bolt of this size....they still loosen. Have already wrung off the welded one, can't risk it on the new battery. I had a 10mm wrench with me on the road....too loose to start the bike...wouldn't tighten...broke the bolt. .I was hosed.
Mr. Sparky!! Regarding the sparks when working on battery with the negative cable attached....been therhe done that (not on this one though).....my wrench still carries the black/blue badge of my carelessness...haha.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 963
Likes: 388
From: Indianapolis
I'm having the same problem. Does anyone have a good solution to keeping the battery bolts tight?
Please don't suggest lock washers; they don't work.
https://engineerdog.com/2015/01/11/1...out-fasteners/
Please don't suggest lock washers; they don't work.
https://engineerdog.com/2015/01/11/1...out-fasteners/
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 1,280
From: Ky
I'm having the same problem. Does anyone have a good solution to keeping the battery bolts tight?
Please don't suggest lock washers; they don't work.
https://engineerdog.com/2015/01/11/1...out-fasteners/
Please don't suggest lock washers; they don't work.
https://engineerdog.com/2015/01/11/1...out-fasteners/