24 Volt Battery Terminal Glowing During Start

[usmcpatriot]

Ok, so my M1008 has been running great for years now. Thank God!
Changed oil and filter, changed fuel filter, went to prime IP by disconnecting IP charging wire, and tried to start and noticed 24 volt terminal glowing and smoking rubber boot protector. Turn off checked all my recently disconnected cables. All good, can anyone suggest any fixes? Thanks all.

 

[Tinstar]

Battery might be starting to go and/or your cables might be corroded under the rubber, causing Problems.
Load test battery's to see if their still healthy.
If cables are original, I recommend you replace them.

Mine looked great on the outside.
During a repair to replace a busted post clamp, I peeled back the insulation and the copper wire was totally covered in corrosion.
Early stages but definitely there.

I replaced all of them before I had a problem.

That was over over a year ago and still no issues

 

[Guyfang]

Just one terminal? Or all? Did you unhook your batteries completely when you did the service? Or maybe just that terminal?

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Mine looked great on the outside.
During a repair to replace a busted post clamp, I peeled back the insulation and the copper wire was totally covered in corrosion.
Early stages but definitely there.

I replaced all of them before I had a problem.

That was over over a year ago and still no issues

This.

I just went through this with someone on anotother forum. "All my terminals and calbes are fine! Iv'e checked them!"

Yeah, but they weren't. Once he did more than just LOOK at them, and started pulling, yanking, and taking things apart, it was clear they were NOT fine.


I've had cables made by www.bestboatwire.com for one of my other vehicles and I've been really pleased. I got the clear heat shrink so I can always see what's going on underneath. I'm not a big fan of hidden corrosion for some reason.... Just pick your size and start ordering.

Along with new cables, I got military style terminals from Crimp Supply (on Amazon) and I'm very happy with the results. It's a good opportunity to go up just one size on the cables, too. I plan to do all my CUCV cables, too, probably next year.

 

[usmcpatriot]

Thanks brother wilco, will replace all cables this week and check further thanks...

 

[usmcpatriot]

Yes sir, learned the hard way to disconnect all terminals on all batteries when doing electrical.

 

[OuttaTheWayPECK]

Nice thread!

 

[usmcpatriot]

So, update. I changed the main battery cable from the 24 volt terminal to the positive bus and tried to start, and now the positive 12 volt side is sparking so I stopped and here I is. I have to admit I am an electrical dummy. Any suggestions. I work nights, hard to work during the day and can only devote sometime to the problem till the next day.

 

[Abbylind]

Check the 12 volt cable and mes thinks the starter is drawing too many amps.....check your starter

 

[usmcpatriot]

Thanks will start to change all the major lines, probably about time and will check the TMs on how to check starter......

 

[Abbylind]

Check your wire from the battery buss to the starter too. Mine had rubbed the insulation off and was arcing against the engine block Good luck

 

[gimpyrobb]

I was going to say starter too. Grounds are important also, make sure they are good.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Check your wire from the battery buss to the starter too. Mine had rubbed the insulation off and was arcing against the engine block Good luck

Yeah, some 1/2" plastic loom run the length of those hot leads is cheap insurance.

 

[usmcpatriot]

All good now, changed main cable 24 volt, changed 12 volt lug, cleaned all terminals and presto! Thanks all, was hoping for something simple, just in case. Always good to make sure "Rocky" is up and running. Thanks again guys, now to hit the forums to help other guys.