Terminal replacement?

Relic · 02-11-2011, 08:49 PM

All four of my cable terminals require replacement. I guess after many years they got to the point of maximum tightness so the PO decided to install screws down by the side of the lug!!! It works, but I can't stand it. So I was wondering where can one get replacement terminals that accepts 2 cables? Everything I've seen so far is for single cable. Any help to head me in the right direction is greatly appreciated. Thanx.

trianom · 02-11-2011, 09:56 PM

I just went to my local NAPA and got commercial terminals and used a cut-off wheel on my Dremel and cut the wires from the old terminals and strripped them all back and put them into the arch-type terminals, like this: http://www.batterymart.com/merchant2...00370_2_sm.jpg

Relic · 02-11-2011, 10:30 PM

OK thanx. The ones I have seen so far the arch didn't look big enough to accomodate two wires. If Napa doesn't have what I am looking for I think I'll try Parts for Trucks. I was kinda hopin' there was an actual terminal specifically to hold two cables.

trianom · 02-11-2011, 10:38 PM

Anytime, and yeah I thought the same as you did, but when you loosen those bolts to raise the arch, you can really fit a good amount of wire in there lol

ckanderson · 02-11-2011, 10:42 PM

I'd just replace the wires. those lame bolt terminals never work well. Go to dodge, get new ones.

Relic · 02-11-2011, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckanderson

I'd just replace the wires. those lame bolt terminals never work well. Go to dodge, get new ones.

That's like owning a Ford and when you want new tires, might as well get another truck- they don't work well anyhow! Haha! Seriously tho - I've used them (the terminals) a lot for single cable and never had a problem. Snug em in tight with a good dose of dielectric grease- good for years.

ckanderson · 02-11-2011, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

That's like owning a Ford and when you want new tires, might as well get another truck- they don't work well anyhow! Haha! Seriously tho - I've used them (the terminals) a lot for single cable and never had a problem. Snug em in tight with a good dose of dielectric grease- good for years.

They dont work as well as factory. I've seen them pull out, corrode, fall apart. I dont know what dodge charges for new cables, but that is the correct way to fix the problem. If you want to do it the cheap way, that is fine by me. But I would hate to get stuck at some gas station somewhere cause I decided to cheap out and use crappy clamps.

Relic · 02-11-2011, 11:59 PM

Your view on new cables noted. Thanx.

ckanderson · 02-12-2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic

Your view on new cables noted. Thanx.

just something i have seen working in a shop

Relic · 02-12-2011, 12:18 PM

Well, I work as a marine engineer on an oil tanker, so we are exposed to salty envronment constantly. One of thing I look after are the battery systems. 12 batteries for 4 different systems. All have the cheap terminals. Never had a problem in 20 years. That plus all my favorable experience with them on a bunch of previous vehicle, should a least lend some merit to my view as well.

1bad12r · 02-12-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckanderson

I'd just replace the wires. those lame bolt terminals never work well. Go to dodge, get new ones.

I agree. you could try a making your own cables.

zig · 02-12-2011, 01:03 PM

You by any chance have an Interstate battery wharehouse near you? I went there for new cables with new ends crimped on.

New + to + cable running over radiator cut to length with nice ends crimped on
Wires cut and stripped and brand new heavy duty ends on all other terminals
All corrosion sprayed down with their neutralizing agent, scraped clean
After installation, all terminals coated with anti-corrosion agent
AND...two remanufactured Interstate batteries with 760cca each

All came to $126.37

I was skeptical of the reman'ed batteries, but my brother-in-law has been running a set in his F250 for three years with no problems at all...and he is hard on batteries, lets them run down using his aux lights while working on equipment/listening to the radio, etc. and it gets below zero quite a bit here. The reman batteries were $35.xx a piece...so even if they only last two years that's pretty darn cheap for batteries for our trucks!