Author Topic: Battery post repair (Read 2810 times)

sammermpc · « **on:** August 12, 2019, 08:54:53 AM »

Hello — I snapped the post on my otherwise 100% A-OK battery and was wondering if anyone had smart thoughts about how to go about restoring it to its former glory.

I've got the snapped off piece and could potentially just epoxy it on, but wondering if there is anything smarter I could do. The guys at Autozone were wildly unhelpful and suggested I buy a new $100 battery!

Don R · « **Reply #1 on:** August 12, 2019, 09:13:41 AM »

File it down to a slot? Washers on both sides? Soft solder with an iron not a flame? Be sure the polarity is correct too, Most of mine have + on the right end.

tlbranth · « **Reply #2 on:** August 12, 2019, 09:15:33 AM »

I would glue it just to hold it in place. Then drill 2 small holes through both pieces on either side of the bolt hole and tap a section of brass rod in each hole.

evanphi · « **Reply #3 on:** August 12, 2019, 12:17:29 PM »

Rather than mess with a critical component of my bike... I would pony the 100 bucks for a new battery. And +1 to what Don R said about the polarity/orientation of that battery.

sammermpc · « **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2019, 12:32:21 PM »

Huh, this is the battery I run on my '72 CB500 — polarity has seemed OK!

Quote

Soft solder with an iron not a flame?

I was concerned I might blow something up, but this definitely seems like a solution. I thought it might be really hard to get the post up to temp because it's such an enormous heatsink, but maybe worth a shot...

I was thinking I could just file off the remainder and tap down into the battery and sink a new post. Not sure how practical it is.

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #5 on:** August 12, 2019, 12:43:19 PM »

I would not put ANY heat on that terminal.
You would be better off cutting/filing it down and attempting to screw in a new post.

70CB750 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 12, 2019, 03:44:54 PM »

In military we repaired battery posts using special mold and propane torch. You just dont aim the flame at the battery.

Don R · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2019, 03:53:18 PM »

Safety glasses.

tlbranth · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2019, 05:32:42 PM »

I originally thought of solder but I think putting heat on it would be a dicey prospect. Lead is a good conductor of heat and the plates would get hot. Not worth the risk. Pin it as I suggested.

Airborne 82nd · « **Reply #9 on:** August 12, 2019, 06:19:43 PM »

Drill a hole an screw in a self tapping eye bolt

jgger · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2019, 07:07:48 PM »

Lay a bolt in the groove that is left with a washer (copper is best) on both sides and bolt it tight. Make the bolt long enough to be used as a stud post for the cable then fill the open top half with epoxy. EZPZ and no fire or explosion.

PeWe · « **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2019, 09:26:21 PM »

New battery for bike. The old can be used for tests in garage, other small things. A bike vibrate and jumps and need the working battery when dark on remote roads when raining and you can hear banjos.....

sammermpc · « **Reply #12 on:** August 13, 2019, 05:02:15 AM »

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll update when get a chance to do it — I think I'll try to tap, and failing that, get creative with epoxy. (And yes, I'll buy a new battery if need be).

madmtnmotors · « **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2019, 07:36:55 AM »

Quote from: jgger on August 12, 2019, 07:07:48 PM

Lay a bolt in the groove that is left with a washer (copper is best) on both sides and bolt it tight. Make the bolt long enough to be used as a stud post for the cable then fill the open top half with epoxy. EZPZ and no fire or explosion.

I like this plan.

754 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2019, 11:33:51 AM »

Nothing to lose by building a dam around it and cast In a piece above what is there. Drill tiny hokes into that, hope it joins up.
Don't lick or inhale any material or fumes while doing this.

TwoTired · « **Reply #15 on:** August 13, 2019, 01:11:34 PM »

Be aware that the battery can have hydrogen inside. Keep sparks and flame away from any vent port. or, boom.

Cheers,

PeWe · « **Reply #16 on:** August 14, 2019, 12:19:09 PM »

I checked the ignition setting on my K6 today. Much easier with an extra battery placed on the floor feeding the ignition strobe lamp.
Invest in new battery, the old can be used.
I charge all my batteries rather often.

70CB750 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 15, 2019, 04:09:15 AM »

Quote from: 754 on August 13, 2019, 11:33:51 AM

Nothing to lose by building a dam around it and cast In a piece above what is there. Drill tiny hokes into that, hope it joins up.
Don't lick or inhale any material or fumes while doing this.

The military process of repairing was just that. You place the mold on the post stump, melted lead inside of it and added more. It was a standard procedure. The lead we sourced out of old, dead batteries. Nobody cared much for the fumes and such

sammermpc · « **Reply #18 on:** September 03, 2019, 06:15:58 PM »

OK, gave it a kind've half-assed shot — perched the nut on the back off the snapped off post and covered the whole thing in JB Weld,. Then tapped the nut and threaded the bolt in.

Seems to hold pretty well! We'll see how long she lasts. Here's the lady out for a ride after the job. So far so good.

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Author Topic: Battery post repair (Read 2810 times)