Battery Bolts coming loose
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,722
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From: Biddeford, Maine
Battery Bolts coming loose
I have a little problem that is bugging the hell out of me.
No matter how tight I do the battery bolts, they always work themselves loose............which causes starting problems since the cables are not making the best contact.
Would Loc-tite work on them, even in the lead of the battery terminal?
Blue or Red? which one would be best for them?
Thanks,
Steve
No matter how tight I do the battery bolts, they always work themselves loose............which causes starting problems since the cables are not making the best contact.
Would Loc-tite work on them, even in the lead of the battery terminal?
Blue or Red? which one would be best for them?
Thanks,
Steve
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 389
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From: Texas
RE: Battery Bolts coming loose
Steve, On all my 4 wheelers, riding mower and anything that uses a flat terminal to connect to battery, occasional tightening is a maintenance item. I assume it is from the repeated heat and cooling from the demand of the starter. If you were to use locktite, I would advise only blue as red may (probably would) cause the bolt to break if it needed removal. Be sure not to get any loctite anywhere on the terminals to assure optimal contact. Star washer may be a better option as they will hold torque and conduct well.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,722
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From: Biddeford, Maine
RE: Battery Bolts coming loose
I never thought of star washers.................I would think they would be on there from the factory, but there is none.
I'll grab some star washers and maybe use some blue loctite.............don't want them coming loose unless I want them to.
Steve
I'll grab some star washers and maybe use some blue loctite.............don't want them coming loose unless I want them to.
Steve
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 383
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RE: Battery Bolts coming loose
I have had that happen to me3 times now. My bike is an 04 and my positive terminal has worked loose about once a year since I have owned it. When I go to tighten the terminal the bolt does not move but a 1/16 of an inch. But I guess that is all it takes. My guess would be to use the blue loctite.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: USA
RE: Battery Bolts coming loose
I think that your new thumper is causing quite a current draw loading the terminals and heat stressing during startings, as well as some new found vibration harmonics from the new torque of the build....
Star washers are a good idea, or even devising a rubber shock mounted battery box maybe? I know that may sound extream, but its done on other vehicles, or maybe its not mounted ridged enough and its vibrating in the battery box? 50/50 shot.
I'd keep from using lock tight, I dont' think its very conductive, and if you dont' have a positive contacting terminal area then the bolt will further limit the current due to lock tight possiablely?
Are any of your wires with tension on them to the terminals? And have you upgraded the starter wiring to the starter and the ground to help carry more current for the starts?
Star washers are a good idea, or even devising a rubber shock mounted battery box maybe? I know that may sound extream, but its done on other vehicles, or maybe its not mounted ridged enough and its vibrating in the battery box? 50/50 shot.
I'd keep from using lock tight, I dont' think its very conductive, and if you dont' have a positive contacting terminal area then the bolt will further limit the current due to lock tight possiablely?
Are any of your wires with tension on them to the terminals? And have you upgraded the starter wiring to the starter and the ground to help carry more current for the starts?
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 72
From: North East
RE: Battery Bolts coming loose
38 years of riding and I've never heard of this one. Always something new to learn. My complaint with HD batteries is the difficulty in loosening the battery bolts when removing the batttery. I believe they moved the battery terminals from the front of the battery to the top of the battery in '08. Good improvement.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Biddeford, Maine
RE: Battery Bolts coming loose
ORIGINAL: Ram
I think that your new thumper is causing quite a current draw loading the terminals and heat stressing during startings, as well as some new found vibration harmonics from the new torque of the build....
I think that your new thumper is causing quite a current draw loading the terminals and heat stressing during startings, as well as some new found vibration harmonics from the new torque of the build....
I'll try the star washers for sure..............not sure if loctite is conductive or not, wouldn't want to use it if it will interfere with a good connection for proper current.
Probably a good time to get a set of Yopper cables and replace the stockers.
Steve
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