Removing Battery Corrosion

[cooltouch]

I have obtained a motor drive with a battery pack that had batteries left in it too long. I think they were NiCads that leaked, but don't hold me to that. The corrosion sure looks the same as if it were done by regular batteries.

I vaguely recall recipes for removing corrosion -- like vinegar or baking soda? Using an old toothbrush?

So, just wondering if you might know a tried-and-true method for getting rid of it. It's pretty heavy in a couple of spots. Out of four electrical contacts, only one has any corrosion on it. I don't think I'll have to dismantle the pack to see if corrosion has wicked up the contact's wire -- at least I hope I won't.

[auddii]

My dad uses baking soda mixed with water for removing corrosion on battery leads. Not sure if it work on an actual battery.

[groovyone]

Coke/Pepsi and a toothbrush

[cooltouch]

No Coke, no Pepsi. Got some Mountain Dew, though. And some Dr. Pepper. Reckon one of them'll work?

[groovyone]

It is the acids along with the carbonation that help. Dr P may work. I don't know that Mt Dew would.

[Angelo]

If it's a small area just use an erasure on it.
that may be simpler...

[cooltouch]

Yup, the carbonic acid and carbonation really did help. Removed all but the heaviest scale and very quickly. I had to take a knife to the heaviest scale.

Unfortunately, if my continuity tests are to be believed, it appears the corrosion did wick up that one contact's wire. Not getting any voltage at the pack's contacts.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by cooltouch

Yup, the carbonic acid and carbonation really did help. Removed all but the heaviest scale and very quickly. I had to take a knife to the heaviest scale.

Unfortunately, if my continuity tests are to be believed, it appears the corrosion did wick up that one contact's wire. Not getting any voltage at the pack's contacts.

Glad it helped. Bummer on the contact issues.

[zramsey]

White vinegar and a q-tip will do the trick.